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Sarah Ngaba Jailed for Life Over 2019 Assault That Led to Baby’s Death

Forensic medical evidence plus CCTV showing a delay in seeking help persuaded a jury that injuries from a November 2019 assault left the child vulnerable to a later, fatal infection.

Overview

  • On 13 November 2019 Ngaba violently shook and struck her seven-week-old daughter, causing a complex skull fracture, brain bleeding, retinal haemorrhages and extensive spinal and soft-tissue injuries.
  • Doorbell and shop CCTV captured Ngaba leaving her home, buying a lottery ticket and arranging a taxi before taking the injured baby to hospital, and prosecutors said she repeatedly changed her account to avoid responsibility.
  • Eliza survived the 2019 attack but was left profoundly disabled and died on 15 August 2022 from a respiratory infection that the Crown says she would not have contracted but for the earlier head injuries.
  • A Birmingham Crown Court jury convicted Ngaba of murder by a majority verdict of ten to two, and on 12 June 2026 Mrs Justice Brunner sentenced her to life with a minimum term of 12 years and 154 days after deducting time already served.
  • Prosecutors and police praised Eliza’s foster parents for the care they gave her, described the case as deeply distressing, and said the sentence represents final accountability although appeals may follow.