Sarah Ngaba, aged 32, is currently on trial at Birmingham Crown Court, accused of murdering her infant daughter, Eliza. The case relates to a violent assault on Eliza that took place in their home in Telford in November 2019.
Eliza sustained severe brain and skull injuries from the attack, which was reportedly caused by forceful shaking and a significant impact. She later died in hospital in August 2022 due to complications linked to the original abuse.
Ngaba was previously convicted in 2020 of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to her seven-week-old daughter. At that time, Eliza suffered “dreadful, life-shortening and life-limiting” injuries. Although she survived the initial trauma, Eliza was profoundly disabled and medically vulnerable during her 33 months in foster care.
During the trial, prosecutor Jonas Hankin KC challenged the defence’s claim of infanticide, which argued that Ngaba’s mind was disturbed postpartum. Hankin told jurors, “The true picture is not one of a childbirth-related disturbance of mind. It is one of anger, frustration, resentment and a loss of self-control.”
Medical records presented in court showed no evidence of psychiatric disorder following the birth. Instead, they indicated detachment and a lack of concern for Eliza.
The court also heard that Ngaba’s statements about the incident changed significantly over time. Initially, she admitted striking Eliza “in anger,” but later attempted to blame the child’s father. Both prosecution and defence psychiatrists agreed that Ngaba had longstanding issues with anger and irritability that predated childbirth.
Details of the assault incident reveal that on 13 November 2019, Eliza was taken to Princess Royal Hospital in Telford. She was floppy, unresponsive, and experiencing seizures. Ngaba did not mention any trauma and appeared annoyed at having to seek hospital care, according to testimony.
The current trial aims to determine whether Ngaba’s mental state at the time reduces her legal responsibility for Eliza’s death.
Originally published by UKNIP.
