A couple deliberately starved their three-year-old daughter to death over many months, a UK court has heard.
Jaskiret Singh Uppal, 36, and Manpreet Jatana, 34, appeared at the Old Bailey in London on Tuesday charged with the murder of Penelope Chandrie.
Prosecutor Philip McGhee stated that the prosecution’s case is that the defendants mistreated their daughter over an extended period and deliberately starved her, leading to her death.
The London court heard that the couple failed to register Penelope’s birth, provide her with GP care or education, as they isolated themselves from the wider world. When the child died, it is alleged that they initially considered cremating the body in the back garden of their home in Hayes, west London, before contacting a funeral director.
On December 17, 2023, police found Penelope’s very emaciated body wrapped in a sheet, with bruising to her neck, the court was told. An examination of her body found the cause of death to be malnutrition. Pathological findings indicated starvation over a prolonged period of many months, culminating in fatal ketoacidosis, Mr McGhee explained.
There were also marks on her neck consistent with the use of bindings, and injuries to her hands consistent with a sharp object such as a knife, the court heard.
At the time Penelope died, officers found the defendants’ home to be in poor condition. The family’s vegetarian diet mainly consisted of yoghurt, lentils, and butter, Mr McGhee added. What appeared to be a ligature was found attached to the bannisters on the stairs.
The defendants, who met at university, had not worked for some time and lived in a house belonging to Uppal’s father.
On Tuesday, Uppal appeared in the dock at the Old Bailey, while Jatana appeared via videolink from Bronzefield prison. Both spoke only to confirm their identities.
In addition to the murder charge, the defendants are accused of manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of a child, and abandoning a child or causing them unnecessary suffering or injury.
Judge Lynn Tayton KC set a timetable for the case, with a plea hearing scheduled for December 16. A provisional trial date will be confirmed later. She remanded the defendants into custody.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/couple-deliberately-starved-three-year-old-daughter-to-death-court-told-1813133.html