Having been convicted after trial, Tai-Zamarai and Naiyamhi Yasharahyalah were sentenced by Wall J to a total of 24 years 6 months’ imprisonment and 19 years 6 months’ imprisonment respectively for causing the death of their child by severe nutritional and medical neglect. The Defendants were also sentenced for the severe neglect of another child , and perverting the course of justice.
In an unusual and complex case, both Defendants had followed a strict vegan and naturalist diet without processed food or supplementation, resulting in severe damage to their son and themselves. The pair had buried their son in the garden after his death and covered it up for over 2 years. Due to decomposition the cause of death was unascertained, but through expert pathological and clinical evidence the prosecution was able to establish that the child was severely malnourished. At trial, the prosecution argued that the child’s poor physical condition and the need for medical care would have been obvious to his parents but that, motivated by their belief system and/or their desire to avoid investigation, they had wilfully neglected him and that neglect had contributed to his death.
Sahil Sinha, led by Jonas Hankin KC from No5, appeared for the Crown, instructed by the CPS.
For more information, please click here: (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce902vk42d5o)
