Tragic Fall Claims Life of Infant in Central London Flat
A devastating incident has rocked a Westminster community after an 18-day-old baby girl, Mariam, allegedly died from a head injury sustained when she was thrown from a third-floor window by her mother. The tragic event unfolded on a Saturday morning, casting a dark shadow over the otherwise ordinary bustling streets of central London.
The infant plunged from a sash window of her family’s flat, landing on a concrete surface situated between the residential block on Great Peter Street and a high metal railing. Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service and police, were on the scene within minutes of a 999 call, but sadly, their efforts to save the newborn proved futile.
Court Proceedings Unfold Amidst Grief
On Wednesday, the infant’s mother, Zahira Byjaouane, 43, was scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey, facing a charge of murder. However, she was unable to attend the hearing. During the proceedings, prosecutor Philip McGhee detailed the harrowing events as reported to the court.
Mr. McGhee stated that the defendant’s husband had made the emergency call at approximately 7:30 am on the day of the incident, reporting that a child had fallen from a window. The court heard that the baby’s father was present in the flat at the time. He reportedly was in the kitchen preparing baby formula when the alleged act occurred.
The prosecutor further explained that the husband, upon hearing the commotion or realising what had happened, had rushed outside. He attempted to reach Mariam but was unsuccessful before returning to the flat and making the urgent 999 call.
Infant Suffered Fatal Injuries After Significant Fall
Mariam was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. Medical professionals determined she had fallen approximately 10 metres, equivalent to about 32 feet, from the upstairs window. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, the baby died in hospital at 9 am. The court was informed that her death was due to a skull fracture, a direct consequence of the fall.
Following the tragic incident, police entered the flat and found Ms. Byjaouane reportedly sitting on a bed. She was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The following day, the charges were escalated to murder.
Case Timetable Set for Future Hearings
During the court hearing, Judge Mark Lucraft KC established a clear timetable for the unfolding legal proceedings. A plea hearing has been set for June 3rd. A provisional 10-day trial has been scheduled to commence before the judge on February 15th, 2027. The defendant has been remanded into custody. This case continues to develop, with the community and legal system awaiting further developments in this deeply distressing matter.
