A woman has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her two-month-old infant daughter. Zara Arsalan, 31, residing in West Bromwich, was found guilty of causing the death of her daughter, Harleen Bains, by repeatedly striking the baby’s head against the floor in a moment of intense anger at their residence in the Black Country on July 23, 2020.
Initially, emergency services were alerted to a situation where a baby girl had become unresponsive after allegedly falling from her mother’s lap. Upon arrival at their West Bromwich home, paramedics discovered Harleen in unstable condition with a severe head injury.
Despite efforts, the baby succumbed to her injuries the following day in the hospital. The injuries sustained by Harleen, including skull fractures, brain bleeding, broken ribs, and a fractured collarbone, were inconsistent with a simple fall, indicating more deliberate harm. The post-mortem examination also indicated signs of shaking.
Although Arsalan denied the murder charges, she was convicted following a trial. In a recent court hearing at Coventry Crown Court, she was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 19 years. The presiding judge, Mr. Justice Cavanagh KC, expressed certainty that Arsalan had violently banged Harleen’s head against a hard surface, causing fatal injuries.
The judge emphasized the extreme nature of the violence inflicted on Harleen, describing it as a brutal act committed in a sudden outburst of rage. He highlighted the intense suffering and fear the infant must have endured during the assault.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Harleen’s aunt described her as a cherished and beautiful baby, underscoring the profound grief the family continues to experience. Detective Chief Inspector Phil Poole of the West Midlands Police Homicide Unit labeled the case as tragic, emphasizing that a two-month-old child should have been protected, not harmed. He commended the investigative team for their dedication in seeking justice for Harleen and her family, hoping that the sentencing would bring some solace to the grieving family.
