Baby’s Tragic Death in Squalid Flat Sparks Outrage
Fartun Jamal, 25, of Kingfisher Way, NW10, was found guilty on Friday, 4 March, of causing the death of 11-month-old Nafahat Diini, along with three counts of child cruelty. The grim verdict came after a harrowing trial at Harrow Crown Court.
Harrow Horror: Baby Dies Amid Filthy Filth and Neglect
Detective Chief Inspector Madeline Ryder laid bare the shockingly grim conditions of the flat where baby Nafahat died. “This is an absolutely tragic case that resulted in the needless death of an innocent baby,” she said. “Nafahat was only 11 months old when she died in squalid conditions, surrounded by walls smeared with faeces.”
The infant succumbed to a treatable respiratory infection — bronchitis complicated with pneumonia. But help was chillingly close: “Her GP’s surgery was less than 70 metres away and visible from Nafahat’s bedroom window,” DCI Ryder added.
Scene of Squalor: Shock Details from Crime Scene
- Faeces smeared on bedroom walls and window where Nafahat’s cot stood
- Cot was a broken travel cot with bedding soaked in urine
- Mouse droppings and faeces found in Jamal’s bedroom
- Rooms cluttered with bags of filthy nappies and rotting food plates
- Kitchen nearly empty – only two half-finished bottles of milk in fridge, melted ice cream in broken freezer
- Cooked pasta congealed and used as an ashtray on windowsill
- No baby formula found despite Jamal claiming Nafahat refused it that morning
- No toys or photos of Nafahat in the flat
Police and Paramedics Attempt Resuscitation
Police were called on 13 March 2019 after Jamal dialled emergency services, claiming her daughter was not breathing. Ambulance crews and officers arrived quickly and administered first aid, but Nafahat was pronounced dead at the scene.
Doctors ruled the death a case of neglect. Jamal was arrested but refused to answer questions. Detectives worked tirelessly for months to build their case, leading to her charge in December 2020 and the recent conviction.
Justice for Nafahat Set to Follow
Detective Sergeant John Martin, who led the investigation, said, “All of us have been deeply affected by this heartbreaking case. Our thoughts are with Nafahat’s family today.”
Jamal will be sentenced at Harrow Crown Court on a date yet to be announced.
