A mother who fractured her seven-week-old daughter's skull in a fit of rage and then stopped to buy a lottery ticket before seeking medical help has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Sarah Ngaba, 32, was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 12 years and 154 days at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday, 12 June 2026.
Callous and Uncaring Behavior
Mrs. Justice Brunner described the 2019 assault as 'the culmination of increasingly hostile behaviour' toward baby Eliza. The judge noted that Ngaba delayed seeking medical help and deliberately concealed the infant's serious injuries. 'You put your interests above hers,' the judge said.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
On 13 November 2019, Ngaba violently shook and struck seven-week-old Eliza, likely against a wall, causing catastrophic head injuries. CCTV footage captured her buying a lottery ticket at a local shop before calling a taxi to take the baby to the hospital. Ngaba repeatedly lied to medical staff and police, initially blaming a walking stick and then Eliza's father, until CCTV and phone records disproved her claims.
Previous Conviction and Death
In 2021, Ngaba was convicted of wounding and sentenced to 14 years in prison. In August 2022, Eliza died from an infection directly linked to the brain damage suffered nearly three years earlier. Last month, Ngaba was found guilty of murder following a trial.
Sentencing Remarks
Due to time already served, the judge reduced the minimum term from 19 years to 12 years and 154 days. Prosecuting counsel Lisa Hancox stated that medical evidence pointed to a prolonged, multi-stage attack. Defending counsel Gordon Aspden KC noted that Ngaba had become a 'model prisoner' at HMP Foston Hall.
Tributes to Foster Parents
Mrs. Justice Brunner praised Eliza's foster parents, Laura and Gary Haynes, for providing a 'stable and caring household' that brought love and happiness to Eliza's short life. Detective Chief Inspector Lee Holehouse of West Mercia Police said Ngaba showed 'no remorse' and continues to take no responsibility for the suffering she caused.
