Woman sentenced following death of child who was exposed to a chemical in the flats where she lived

A woman has been sentenced after admitting to the manslaughter of a child who died after being exposed to a chemical in the flats where she lived.

Fatiha Sabrin died at her home in Shadwell on her 11th birthday in December 2021 after a pesticide used in the flat below released phosphine gas into the air.

Following an investigation by specialist detectives, Jesmin Akter, 34 (08.03.90), was charged with manslaughter.

Akter pleaded guilty, and at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 18 July, she was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, suspended for two years.

Met detectives were able to prove that Akter's illegal use of the pesticide, Aluminium Phosphide, had resulted in phosphine gas escaping into the surrounding flats, including the one directly above which Fatiha’s family lived in.

Detective Inspector Aytac Necati said: “When Akter used the poison in her flat, she did so illegally.

“This was a terrible and reckless decision that resulted in a number of people becoming ill. It had fatal consequences for Fatiha.

“People encountering pest control problems should always seek professional advice or, if they are using commercially available products, they should read and follow the instructions carefully.

“I would like to highlight the work of the team, who carried out a technical and thorough investigation to build the case against Akter, and gave support to Fatiha’s grieving family as this process took place.

“My thoughts and condolences remain with them, as they continue to come to terms with losing their child.”

In a statement, Fatiha’s family said: “We continue to feel the loss of our beloved Fatiha every day, and think of what she may be doing now, were she still here.

“She was taken from us unexpectedly, and in a very cruel way. Although our hearts are broken, it is some small comfort to know that justice has been done.”