15/07/2008

Further Cruelty Charges For Khyra's Parents

The mother and step-father of Khyra Ishaq, who was found dead in her home in Birmingham in May, have appeared in court to face further charges of child cruelty.

Seven-year-old Khyra was rushed to hospital on May 17 from her home in Leyton Road in Handsworth, but was later pronounced dead.

The girl's mother, Angela Gordon, 33, and Ms Gordon's partner, Junaid Abuhamza, 29, appeared in court via videolink on May 28, charged with "causing or allowing" Khyra's death. It has been alleged that the child had starved to death. An inquest into her death was opened and adjourned last month.

The couple now face a further five joint charges of cruelty to a person under 16 years of age.

Ms Gordon appeared before magistrates in Birmingham today - Mr Abuhamza was not present, reportedly due to health reasons.

Ms Gordon was remanded in custody to reappear before Birmingham Crown Court on July 17, while Mr Abuhamza's case was adjourned until July 29 when he is due to appear before magistrates again.

(KMcA/JM)

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05 June 2009
Girl 'Deliberately Starved To Death, Court Told
A seven-year-old girl was starved to death and kept a prisoner in her own home by her mother and her partner, a court has today heard. Khyra Ishaq was taken to hospital but died of an infection after being starved over a period of weeks or possibly even months.
28 May 2008
Mother And Partner In Court Over 'Starvation' Death
A mother and her partner have appeared in court accused of "causing or allowing" the death of a seven-year-old child. Angela Gordon, 33, and Junaid Abuhamza, 29, from Handsworth, stood before Birmingham Crown Court today, in connection with the alleged starvation of Khyra Ishaq.
27 July 2010
Starved Girl's Death 'Preventable'
The death of a seven-year-old girl who starved to death at her home in Birmingham could have been prevented, a report has found. A Serious Case Review into the death of Khyra Ishaq identified several missed opportunities by professional agencies to intervene in her case, which could have saved her life.
11 July 2008
Couple Charged With Cruelty Offences
The mother and stepfather of a young girl who starved to death have been charged with cruelty to children offences. Seven-year-old Khyra Ishaq was found dead at her family home in Birmingham where she lived with her five siblings under the age of 16.
22 May 2008
MP Demands Inquiry After Child's Death
An inquiry is being held after the death of a young girl who allegedly starved to death. Police have confirmed that a seven-year-old girl was taken to hospital on Saturday where she was pronounced dead. She has been named as Khyra Ishaq of Leyton Road, Handworth. Police have not confirmed her cause of death at this stage.