ADAMA GNAGNE SANGARE AND THORNTON HEATH COUPLE SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL ABUSE AND BRAIN DAMAGE TO TODDLER
| Red Rose Database
Thornton Heath Sexual Abuser
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Thornton Heath, a couple responsible for the severe abuse and permanent brain damage of a young child has been brought to justice. The incident, which occurred in March of 2011, involved the tragic injury of Mohammed Diarra, a boy less than three years old, who was rushed to hospital with a series of devastating injuries that would alter his life forever.
Mohammed, who was just two years and ten months old at the time, suffered a fractured rib, a broken leg, severe injuries to his liver and pancreas, and critical brain damage. These injuries were the result of sustained abuse, neglect, and assault inflicted by those entrusted with his care. The court heard that the injuries were inflicted by his stepmother, Gnagne Sangare, aged 27, who was found responsible for the injuries through her actions and neglect. The jury determined that she was responsible for the series of injuries, which included the brain damage that would leave Mohammed with lifelong disabilities.
Adama Sangare, the child's father, aged 36, was also implicated in the case. He was found to have contributed to the damage, specifically to Mohammed’s rib, and was sentenced to eight months in prison on July 11. The court proceedings revealed that the couple had only recently taken Mohammed into their care, following the death of his HIV-positive mother. The boy’s mother had died after complications related to her illness, which was linked to her HIV status. It was also disclosed that Adama Sangare had contracted the virus from an extramarital affair, passing it to his wife and one of their children. The couple’s other children, who were not involved in the abuse, have since been placed into care.
The court heard that the injuries to Mohammed might have been caused by falls, possibly from stairs or a bunk bed, as the stepmother claimed she was unaware of how the boy was hurt. However, medical professionals testified that the severity of his injuries indicated he would have been in significant pain, crying during dressing or when being held. The evidence painted a picture of neglect and brutality inflicted upon a vulnerable child who had only recently come into the couple’s care.
Detective Sergeant James Willis, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team in Wallington, expressed his outrage at the case. He stated, “This small child was horribly neglected by these parents and had suffered horrendous injuries. Thankfully, they brought him into hospital that night and the medical professionals were able to spot this abuse before it went any further. It is hard to grasp why any parent, even as a step-parent, would want to treat a small vulnerable child so abhorrently, and I am glad today that this verdict means that no child can come to harm at the hands of these people.”
The sentencing marks a significant step in the fight against child abuse, highlighting the importance of vigilance and intervention in cases of suspected neglect and violence towards children. The community of Thornton Heath can now hope that justice has been served for Mohammed, whose life was tragically altered by the cruelty of those who were supposed to protect him.
Mohammed, who was just two years and ten months old at the time, suffered a fractured rib, a broken leg, severe injuries to his liver and pancreas, and critical brain damage. These injuries were the result of sustained abuse, neglect, and assault inflicted by those entrusted with his care. The court heard that the injuries were inflicted by his stepmother, Gnagne Sangare, aged 27, who was found responsible for the injuries through her actions and neglect. The jury determined that she was responsible for the series of injuries, which included the brain damage that would leave Mohammed with lifelong disabilities.
Adama Sangare, the child's father, aged 36, was also implicated in the case. He was found to have contributed to the damage, specifically to Mohammed’s rib, and was sentenced to eight months in prison on July 11. The court proceedings revealed that the couple had only recently taken Mohammed into their care, following the death of his HIV-positive mother. The boy’s mother had died after complications related to her illness, which was linked to her HIV status. It was also disclosed that Adama Sangare had contracted the virus from an extramarital affair, passing it to his wife and one of their children. The couple’s other children, who were not involved in the abuse, have since been placed into care.
The court heard that the injuries to Mohammed might have been caused by falls, possibly from stairs or a bunk bed, as the stepmother claimed she was unaware of how the boy was hurt. However, medical professionals testified that the severity of his injuries indicated he would have been in significant pain, crying during dressing or when being held. The evidence painted a picture of neglect and brutality inflicted upon a vulnerable child who had only recently come into the couple’s care.
Detective Sergeant James Willis, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team in Wallington, expressed his outrage at the case. He stated, “This small child was horribly neglected by these parents and had suffered horrendous injuries. Thankfully, they brought him into hospital that night and the medical professionals were able to spot this abuse before it went any further. It is hard to grasp why any parent, even as a step-parent, would want to treat a small vulnerable child so abhorrently, and I am glad today that this verdict means that no child can come to harm at the hands of these people.”
The sentencing marks a significant step in the fight against child abuse, highlighting the importance of vigilance and intervention in cases of suspected neglect and violence towards children. The community of Thornton Heath can now hope that justice has been served for Mohammed, whose life was tragically altered by the cruelty of those who were supposed to protect him.