Couple Found Guilty of Causing Toddler's Death

17 month old boy endured 'unimaginable agony and distress'

Two Acton residents have been found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a 17-month-old boy.

Abid Ikram, aged 30, and Sumaira Parveen, aged 24, both unemployed of Cheltenham Place, (off Mill Hill Road) were found guilty of the death contrary to Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, but both were found not guilty of murder and manslaughter.

Tahla was taken to Central Middlesex Hospital last September but pronounced dead on arrival. A consultant paediatrician believed his injuries were not consistent with the explanation of how they were sustained by the child's father Ikram.

A post-mortem at Great Ormond Street Hospital did not initially establish a formal cause of death but revealed injuries to the tibia, a laceration behind the knee and a break above the knee. There were also numerous bruises and abrasions. After further tests the cause of death was established as a fat embolism caused by a broken femur.

Abid Ikram and Sumaira Parveen started their relationship around January 2006. Two months later police discovered that Talha, then aged 11 months had been left home alone. As a result Talha was placed into foster care. They know that during the period up until June 2006, Talha was a happy, active little boy. He learned to walk and began to say his first words. Talha was returned to the care of his father and Parveen late in June 2006.

Ikram and Parveen, who was not the child's biological mother, were arrested. Ikram was charged with murder of his son, causing or allowing the death of a child, and perverting the course of justice.

Parveen who had fled the UK for Pakistan whilst on Police bail, was arrested at Heathrow airport on last November attempting to re-enter the country. She was charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of Talha.

DI Colin Welsh, SCD5 (Child Abuse Investigation Command) said, "'On 6th September 2006 Talha was dead. During what was just over a two-month period in their care, Talha suffered a catalogue of injuries, which must have caused him unimaginable agony and distress. Throughout the trial Ikram and Parveen cynically maintained their innocence, both knowing that their actions had cost the life of an innocent 17-month-old toddler. Today's verdict represents justice for Talha".

Ikram was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice. Sentencing has been scheduled for 7th September.

August 5, 2007