In a deeply tragic case, a South London mother, Raby Diallo, has been sentenced to three years and five months in prison for the manslaughter of her two-month-old daughter, Aissatu Barrie. The sentencing took place on Monday, December 11, at Inner London Crown Court.
Aissatu tragically suffered 36 rib fractures, a skull fracture, and spinal injuries at the hands of her mother, who shook and dropped her on multiple occasions. The infant was pronounced dead at their flat on Robsart Street in Brixton on May 19, 2020, after Diallo phoned 999.
Diallo, 26, had pleaded guilty to manslaughter and appeared in court dressed in black. The court was informed that on one occasion, when Aissatu was crying, Diallo shook her while shouting “tais-toi” – be quiet in French. Pathologists revealed that Aissatu had suffered injuries from at least three separate incidents, consistent with being shaken and dropped from a height onto a hard surface.
The prosecution highlighted that Diallo, who moved to the UK from Ivory Coast in January 2020, was suffering from postnatal depression and struggling with the challenges of motherhood, isolation, and lack of sleep, exacerbated by the Covid-19 lockdown.
Internet searches conducted by Diallo prior to Aissatu’s death indicated disordered thinking rather than a genuine intent to kill. However, the severity of the baby’s injuries and the subsequent actions led to the manslaughter charge.
Diallo’s husband, Mohammed Barrie, a 37-year-old postal worker, was found not guilty of allowing the death of a child and child cruelty.
The defence described Diallo as a woman who had a difficult childhood and was unequipped to face the challenges of motherhood. Despite this, it was emphasized that Diallo “undoubtedly loved that baby.”
Judge Justice Murray described the case as tragic and sentenced Diallo to three years and five months in custody. The sentence reflects the time Diallo has already served, as she has been in custody since being charged.
The case has brought to light the importance of providing adequate support and resources for new mothers, particularly those who are isolated and may be suffering from postnatal depression.
