Couple ‘deliberately starved’ three-year-old daughter to death, London court told

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 said the prosecution’s case was 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 was malnutrition. Pathological findings indicated starvation over a prolonged period of many months, culminating in fatal ketoacidosis, Mr McGhee said.

There were also marks on the neck consistent with the use of bindings, and injuries to the 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, with the family’s vegetarian diet mainly consisting 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 the house belonging to Uppal’s father.

On Tuesday, Uppal appeared in the dock of the Old Bailey, and Jatana was on a 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