Mother Charged with Murder of 18-Day-Old Baby After Fatal Fall
Quick Court Hearing Ends with Old Bailey Referral
Zahira Byjaouane, 43, stood silent except to confirm her name at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday. She faces charges over the death of her 18-day-old daughter, who fell from a residential building.
The brief hearing saw Byjaouane wave to family in the gallery before quietly leaving the dock. The judge deemed the case too severe for magistrates and sent it directly to the Old Bailey.
Byjaouane is set to reappear at the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday, March 18.
Judge Denies Bail: Serious Charges at Play
Judge John Zani told Byjaouane: “This case has to be dealt with at the higher court. It is in custody by reason of the nature of the allegations. Bail does not arise in this court.”
Tragic Baby Fall Shakes Central London Community
The Metropolitan Police were called to Horseferry Road in Westminster early Saturday after reports of a baby falling from a height.
Despite paramedics’ efforts, the tiny infant was pronounced dead at hospital. Police sealed off the Peabody Estate building where the heartbreaking tragedy took place.
On Sunday, mourners left flowers and tributes as the local community struggles to come to terms with the devastating loss.
