New legislation allows conviction of Acton couple

Two people have today (7th September) been sentenced to 9 years imprisonment for causing or allowing the death of a 16-month-old boy in Acton.

Abid Ikram, aged 31, and his partner Sumaira Parveen, aged 24, both unemployed of Cheltenham Place, W3, had been found guilty of causing Talha's death last month but both were found not guilty of murder and manslaughter.

Ikram was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment for causing or allowing the death; and to 12 month for perverting the course of justice - to run consecutively.

Parveen was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment. She was also given a deportation order to be enforced following her custodial sentence.

Throughout the trial Ikram and Parveen maintained their innocence, both knowing that their actions had cost the life of a vulnerable 16-month-old toddler.

DI Colin Welsh said after the verdict, "Abid Ikram and Sumaira Parveen have been brought to justice for the death of a child without the individual who actually inflicted the fatal act being identified. The circumstances of this case are the exact reasons why this legislation was created.This is one of the first convictions since this legislation was brought in. No sentence can be long enough for causing the death of an innocent child by those who should have protected him."

Talha 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.

September 7, 2007