Faiza Hassan, a 36-year-old mother from Dudley, has pleaded not guilty to murdering her 17-month-old daughter at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday, October 8. She appeared in the dock alongside her mother, Sahra Hassan, 61, of Walsall, who also entered not guilty pleas to charges related to the child's death.
Court appearances and pleas
Faiza Hassan spoke only to confirm her identity and enter her not guilty plea to murder. She also denied eight counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of cruelty to a person under 16 years. Sahra Hassan denied one count of causing or allowing the death of a child and one count of cruelty to a person under 16 years.
As she entered her pleas via a Somali interpreter, Sahra Hassan said: "I'm the grandmother. I love my granddaughter." All the offences are alleged to have taken place between November 2022 and April 2023.
Trial date and bail conditions
A provisional trial date of October 4, 2027, was set, with proceedings expected to last up to eight weeks. Both defendants were released on conditional bail. Judge Michael Chambers KC told them: "Your case is being adjourned for trial. It's important that you keep in touch with your solicitors so that you are made aware of the trial date."
Background to the case
West Midlands Police previously said officers were called to a property in Castle Hill, Dudley, by paramedics at about 5.20pm on April 9, 2023. The force added: "Sadly, the girl was pronounced dead later that day. A post-mortem established that she had died after suffering a number of injuries." The case continues to be prepared for trial, with both defendants required to maintain contact with their legal representatives ahead of the 2027 hearing.
