A woman has been convicted of killing her seven-week-old infant by causing severe head injuries before buying a lottery ticket and then seeking medical help. Sarah Ngaba, 32, acknowledged causing life-threatening head trauma to Eliza Ngaba but denied the charge of murder, claiming she was instead guilty of infanticide.

Following a three-day trial at Birmingham Crown Court, a jury found Ngaba guilty of Eliza’s murder by a majority verdict of 10 to two after deliberating for nine and a half hours. Ngaba, previously residing in Brookside, Telford, Shropshire, had a history of causing serious harm to her child, who was left with significant disabilities from a previous assault. Eliza passed away at the age of two in August 2022 due to a respiratory infection exacerbated by the earlier assault in November 2019.

The court learned that Eliza’s injuries, including a complex skull fracture, were the result of forceful shaking and a powerful impact to the head. Ngaba delayed seeking medical help, taking a bath and purchasing a lottery ticket before finally taking Eliza to the hospital in a taxi.

Prosecution counsel Jonas Hankin KC highlighted that a witness had observed Eliza shaking during a video call on the day of the assault and urged Ngaba to seek immediate medical attention. Despite this, Ngaba chose to delay, taking a taxi to the hospital after buying a lottery ticket and cashback at a supermarket.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Ngaba appeared calm and disinterested in her baby’s critical condition, focusing instead on personal concerns. The prosecution argued that Ngaba’s behavior demonstrated a lack of urgency and a failure to prioritize her daughter’s well-being.

After the guilty verdict, Mrs. Justice Brunner commended the jury for their diligence and acknowledged the foster parents’ care and love for Eliza. Ngaba was informed that she would face a life sentence for the murder conviction.