ANGELA GORDON AND JUNAID ABUHAMZA SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD STARVATION IN BIRMINGHAM
In a tragic case that shocked the city of Birmingham, a mother and her partner have been sentenced to indefinite imprisonment after being found guilty of manslaughter in connection with the death of a seven-year-old girl, Khyra Ishaq.The sentencing took place at Birmingham Crown Court, where the judge detailed the horrific circumstances surrounding Khyra's death and the cruelty inflicted upon her and other children in their care.
Angela Gordon, aged 35, and her partner, Junaid Abuhamza, aged 31, faced the court with their convictions.
Gordon was ordered to serve a minimum of 15 years before she could be considered for parole, while Abuhamza was sentenced to a minimum term of seven and a half years.
The judge, Mr.
Justice Roderick Evans, described the treatment of Khyra as “chilling in its harshness and cruelty,” emphasizing the horrific nature of the abuse inflicted by those responsible.
Although both defendants were acquitted of murder, they were convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, citing their mental health issues.
Additionally, they admitted to child cruelty charges involving five other children in their household, all of whom suffered from starvation and abuse.
Two of these children, whose identities are protected by law, were found to be suffering from severe malnutrition and were perilously close to death at the time of their rescue.
The court heard that neither Gordon nor Abuhamza showed any visible reaction as the sentences were handed down.
The judge remarked that the treatment of these children went far beyond neglect, describing it instead as a “domestic regime of punishment” that was both “chilling” and “cruel.” He pointed out that this regime was initiated by Abuhamza, who had experienced a troubled upbringing, and was later adopted by Gordon, who became complicit in the abuse.
Khyra’s tragic death occurred at her home in Handsworth, Birmingham, in May 2008.
Despite the presence of shelves stocked with groceries, tins of sweets, and bowls of fresh fruit, the food was kept under lock and key, with a high lock on the kitchen doors to prevent the children from accessing it.
Any attempt by the children to take food resulted in severe punishment, including being made to stand outside in the cold, physical beatings, or forced overeating until they vomited.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Abuhamza was suffering from schizophrenia and had a traumatic childhood, witnessing his father beat his sister to death.
Gordon, at the time of her daughter’s death, was suffering from severe depression.
Khyra’s body was found to weigh only 16.8 kilograms (approximately 2 stone 9 pounds), having lost about 40% of her body fat.
Her body mass index was so low that it fell below the lowest point on medical charts.
Her emaciated form bore 60 injuries, a testament to the sadistic regime of punishment that included beatings, cold baths, and forced overeating.
Six months prior to her death, Khyra was taken out of school, with her mother claiming she was being educated at home.
Despite visits from educational officials, the children were never seen, as they were supposedly in bed after late-night activities.
A neighbor recounted seeing Khyra scavenging stale bread left for birds, while Gordon insisted that her daughter was well-fed—an assertion later revealed to be part of a deliberate deception to hide the abuse.
A 12-year-old girl living in the household provided testimony about the regime.
She described how Khyra would steal bread or food from the kitchen or cooker, and how Junaid Abuhamza would reward her with treats like chocolate, which made her feel ill and vomit.
Another child recalled seeing Khyra sleeping in her mother’s lap two days before her death, with Gordon spraying her face with water in an attempt to wake her.
The same child observed that Khyra’s bones were visible through her skin as she slept.
Neighbors reported hearing screams and cries of “let me out” emanating from the house.
One witness saw Khyra whimpering in the backyard, dressed only in her underwear, shortly before her death.
The court also heard about Abuhamza’s strong belief in evil spirits, which may have influenced his actions.
Gordon was described as a feisty and outspoken woman, yet heavily reliant on the men in her life.
The court noted her obsession with dieting, which she believed was appropriate for herself but not for the growing children she was supposed to care for.
Detective Inspector Sean Russell, who led the investigation into Khyra’s starvation, described the case as profoundly distressing, stating that even seasoned officers were moved to tears by the evidence.
He expressed his belief that Khyra had been kept prisoner in her bedroom, with her own mother and Junaid Abuhamza responsible for her systematic abuse and neglect.
Her death was ultimately caused by a severe infection resulting from extreme malnutrition, a tragic outcome of the brutal regime she endured in her own home.
