Parents 'deliberately starved' 3-year-old daughter to death

The couple appeared at the Old Bailey on Tuesday (PA) Jonathan Brady

A couple appeared at the Old Bailey on Tuesday charged with murdering their three-year-old daughter by deliberately starving her to death. Jaskiret Singh Uppal, 36, and Manpreet Jatana, 34, are accused of killing Penelope Chandrie through prolonged malnutrition.

Prosecutor Philip McGhee told the court the Crown's case was that the defendants mistreated their daughter over an "extended period of time" and "deliberately starved" her, leading to her death. The couple allegedly failed to register Penelope's birth, provide her with GP care or education as they "isolated" themselves from the wider world.

When the child died, it is alleged the couple initially considered cremating the body in the back garden of their home in Hayes, west London, before contacting a funeral director. Police discovered Penelope's "very emaciated" body wrapped in a sheet on December 17, 2023.

Evidence and findings

An examination revealed the cause of death was malnutrition, with pathological findings indicating "starvation over a prolonged period of many months culminating in fatal ketoacidosis". The court heard there were marks to the neck "consistent with the use of bindings" and injuries to the hands consistent with a sharp object such as a knife.

Officers found the defendants' home in "poor" condition, with the family's vegetarian diet mainly consisting of yoghurt, lentils and butter. What appeared to be a ligature was found attached to the bannisters on the stairs.

The defendants, who met at university, had not worked for some time and lived in a house belonging to Uppal's father. Both appeared in court - Uppal in the dock and Jatana via videolink from Bronzefield prison - speaking only to confirm their identities.

Court proceedings

In addition to murder, the defendants face charges of manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of a child, and abandoning a child or causing them unnecessary suffering or injury. Judge Lynn Tayton KC set a plea hearing for December 16, with a provisional trial date to be confirmed later.

Both defendants were remanded into custody as the case continues through the legal system.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.