A woman has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 12 years for the killing of her seven-week-old baby daughter. Sarah Ngaba, 32, caused severe head injuries to the infant before taking her to the hospital, stopping to buy a lottery ticket on the way. Despite admitting to causing the injuries, Ngaba denied murder, claiming she was guilty of infanticide. However, a jury at Birmingham Crown Court convicted her of murder.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Mrs. Justice Brunner KC described the killing as a result of escalating hostility towards the baby. Ngaba, previously convicted of causing serious harm to her child in 2019, was charged with murder after her daughter passed away at the age of two due to complications from the earlier assault.

Praising the foster parents of the victim, Laura and Gary Haynes, Justice Brunner highlighted their love and care for the child. The judge criticized Ngaba for delaying medical help and concealing the severity of her daughter’s injuries, emphasizing that the assault was not a momentary act of anger.

Ngaba, who had already served a significant portion of a previous sentence for a separate offense, was given a reduced minimum term due to time already served. Her defense attorney highlighted her positive behavior while incarcerated as a model prisoner.

The prosecution argued that Eliza’s injuries were caused by prolonged shaking and impact, indicating a sustained and aggressive assault. Ngaba’s growing hostility towards her daughter before the attack and her callous response to the infant’s collapse were also noted as evidence of her culpability.

The court was urged to consider the tragic circumstances of the case and impose the minimum possible term. The prosecution contended that Eliza died as a result of a violent and sustained assault during a fit of rage by her mother.