ABDUL WAHAB SENTENCED FOR LIFE IN NEWTOWNABBEY MURDER OF FIVE-YEAR-OLD NADIA ZOFIA KALINOWSKA

In a tragic case that has shocked the community of Newtownabbey, Abdul Wahab, a 34-year-old man, has been handed a life sentence after admitting to the brutal murder of his five-year-old stepdaughter, Nadia Zofia Kalinowska. The devastating incident occurred in December 2019 at the family’s residence on Fernagh Drive, where Nadia was found with severe injuries that ultimately led to her death.

Details of the injuries inflicted upon Nadia were laid out during the court proceedings. Crown barrister Liam McCollum described the extent of her suffering, revealing that she had sustained a skull fracture and a lacerated liver, which was a direct cause of her death. In addition to these fatal injuries, Nadia had multiple fractures and re-fractures to her ribs, a fractured collarbone, a fractured pelvis, and an injury to her bowel. The injuries were at various stages of healing, indicating ongoing abuse over a period of time.

Furthermore, Nadia had endured at least 70 surface injuries, including bruises and abrasions, which painted a grim picture of her treatment. Prosecutors compared her injuries to those typically seen in severe road traffic accidents, emphasizing the brutality of her suffering. The court was told that Nadia had been subjected to torture and ultimately murdered by her stepfather.

Abdul Wahab, a Pakistani national, pleaded guilty to her murder during the proceedings at Belfast Crown Court. His admission also included a series of assaults on Nadia that had taken place over several months, highlighting a pattern of ongoing abuse. Alongside him, Nadia’s mother, 28-year-old Aleksandra Wahab, also admitted guilt, specifically for allowing the child’s death and permitting her to suffer serious physical harm. Following their pleas, the jury was discharged, and Mrs Wahab was remanded into custody to await sentencing.

Additional context from the prosecution revealed that in June 2018, a health visitor had referred Nadia to a community dentist due to concerns about her dental health. The dentist noted decay in her front teeth, which appeared black, but this referral was discontinued ten months later after Nadia failed to attend subsequent appointments. Police investigations also uncovered a disturbing lack of toys in the family home, which was considered unusual for a child of Nadia’s age, further illustrating neglect and possible signs of ongoing abuse.

Overall, the case has brought to light the tragic circumstances surrounding Nadia’s death and the failure of the system to protect her from harm. Abdul Wahab’s life sentence underscores the severity of his crimes, and the community continues to mourn the loss of a young life cut tragically short in Newtownabbey.