A mother and father have been charged with the murder of their three-month-old son in North Finchley. Emergency services raced to their home after reports of the unresponsive infant.
Emergency Call to Catastrophe
On Friday, 30 January at 11:34am, police and paramedics arrived at a Kingsway home following reports of a baby boy, known only as Baby A, who was unresponsive. Paramedics immediately gave first aid before rushing him to hospital with severe injuries.
Parents Arrested, Charged
The baby’s parents were swiftly arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm later that day. By Monday, 2 February, they faced charges of causing or allowing serious physical harm to a child and appeared at Ealing Magistrates’ Court. Both were remanded in custody.
Baby A Dies, Murder Charges Follow
Tragically, Baby A died in hospital on Tuesday, 17 February, despite intensive medical efforts. A post-mortem is scheduled. The very next day, 18 February, the parents, Dounia Chetaouat, 32, and Abdelkader Essid, 44, were charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.
Next Court Appearance and Appeal for Witnesses
Chetaouat of Kingsway and Essid of Clandon Gardens are due to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23 February after 2pm.
