South London Mum Jailed Over Baby’s Tragic Death
A South London mother has been handed a three-year, five-month prison sentence for the manslaughter of her two-month-old daughter. Raby Diallo, 26, was sentenced on Monday, December 11, at Inner London Crown Court after fatally injuring baby Aissatu Barrie.
Shocking Injuries Reveal Brutal Abuse
Little Aissatu suffered a horrific 36 broken ribs, a fractured skull, and spinal damage. The court heard Diallo shook and dropped the infant multiple times. The newborn was pronounced dead at their Brixton flat on May 19, 2020, after Diallo called 999.
On one chilling occasion, Diallo reportedly shook the baby while yelling “tais-toi” — French for “be quiet.”
Pathologists confirmed the injuries came from at least three separate incidents, consistent with violent shaking and dropping onto hard surfaces.
Struggles With Motherhood and Postnatal Depression
The prosecution revealed Diallo had moved to the UK from Ivory Coast just months before Aissatu’s death. She was battling postnatal depression, loneliness, and sleep deprivation during the Covid lockdown—factors that worsened her mental state.
Internet searches by Diallo before the tragedy suggested confused thinking rather than an intent to kill. However, the gruesome extent of the injuries resulted in a manslaughter charge.
Husband Cleared, But Tragedy Sparks Calls for Support
Diallo’s husband, postal worker Mohammed Barrie, 37, was found not guilty of child cruelty and failing to prevent the death.
The defence painted Diallo as a woman struggling with a tough upbringing and unprepared for motherhood. “She undoubtedly loved that baby,” they said.
Judge Justice Murray called the case “deeply tragic” and noted Diallo’s sentence included time served since her arrest.
This heartrending case has shone a spotlight on the urgent need for better mental health support and resources for isolated new mums, especially during challenging times.
