Mother and grandmother charged over death of 17-month-old girl

A mother has been charged with the murder of her 17-month-old daughter, police said.

Faiza Hassan, 36, was charged with the murder of her toddler on 9 April 2023, as well as eight counts of wounding with intent.

Officers were called to an address in Dudley, West Midlands, by paramedics at around 5.20pm, but the girl was pronounced dead later the same day.

A post-mortem examination discovered she had died after suffering a number of injuries, police said.

As well as murder, the defendant is also accused of cruelty towards the youngster and cruelty to another child, between 1 November 2022 and 9 April 2023.

Hassan's mother Sahra Hassan, 61, of Walsall, was charged with allowing the death of the 17-month-old, as well as cruelty against her over the same period.

Both women appeared before the Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday and are due to appear in court again on 9 October.

Faiza was remanded in custody and Sahra was released on bail under court conditions.

West Midlands Police, which did not name the child, said in a statement: "Following a thorough investigation, her mother and grandmother have now been charged with multiple offences."

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A spokesperson for the force added: "As well as murder, Faiza Hassan, of Dudley, faces eight charges of wounding with intent, between 1 November 2022 and 9 April 2023.

"She is also accused of cruelty to the girl and cruelty to another child, between the same dates.

"Faiza Hassan's mother, Sahra Hassan, 61, of Walsall, is accused of allowing the death of the 17-month-old, and cruelty to her between the same dates."

(c) Sky News 2026: Mother and grandmother charged over death of 17-month-old girl