Baby murder accused 'not upset'

A woman accused of murdering her lover's baby son showed "no sadness" after he died, a court has heard.

Sumairia Parveen, 24, and Abid Ikram, 30, from Ealing, west London, deny murder and causing 17-month-old Tahla Ikram's death on 6 September 2006.

Tahla suffered fractures, bruises and a cut on his leg which revealed tendons and blood vessels, the court heard.

Witness Mohammed Khan saw Ms Parveen soon after the tragedy and said she "seemed perfectly normal, no remorse."

Foster carer Mr Khan, who looked after the child for three months, said Mr Ikram was, in contrast, clearly "very shocked".

'Joyful lad'

Tahla's alleged abuse, including receiving a string of fractures and bruises, was described to jurors at Southwark Crown Court.

Many of his injuries were allegedly ignored for days on end, allowing broken bones to grind together.

A post-mortem found Tahla died from marrow fat deposits in his lungs, caused by broken ribs, which starved his brain of oxygen.

Concern about the child's welfare began six months earlier when police discovered the child "home alone".

Tahla was placed in the care of Mr Khan and his wife shortly afterwards.

Mr Khan said the child had been a "very joyful lad" and "both my children really adored him".

'Doesn't matter'

By the time Tahla was returned to Mr Ikram's custody, Ms Parveen had given birth to her own son.

During a visit, Mr Khan noticed Tahla looked unwell and suggested he might have a broken leg.

Jeremy Donne QC, prosecuting, asked him: "Did Sumairia appear to be particularly concerned about the incident?"

Mr Khan said: "No, she just said one of her toe-nails was broken that was all...she was more loving towards her own child."

He alleged Ms Parveen consoled Mr Ikram by placing her baby in his lap and saying: "It doesn't matter Tahla's gone, I am here now."

"She said it as if it was the baby talking," claimed Mr Khan.

The trial continues.