A mother accused of the murder of her 18-day-old infant following a fall from a residential building was observed gesturing in court.
Zahira Byjaouane, aged 43, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court where she refrained from entering a plea and only confirmed her personal details during the brief session.
She acknowledged loved ones in the audience upon entering and exiting the courtroom.
Due to the gravity of the charges, the case was referred to the Old Bailey for further proceedings, scheduled for Wednesday.
Judge John Zani informed the defendant that the case would be elevated to the Central Criminal Court, emphasizing that bail was not an option.
On Byjaouane’s LinkedIn profile, she detailed her professional background as a clinical coordinator at a Harley Street clinic, with prior roles at several London hospitals.
Authorities responded to an incident in Westminster, Central London, after reports of an infant falling from a height on a Saturday morning, leading to the tragic death of the baby girl in the hospital.
Following the incident, forensic teams were present on-site, and tributes including flowers and a toy were left near the Peabody Estate building where the tragedy occurred.
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell of the Met Police expressed condolences, noting the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death within a domestic setting, urging anyone with information to come forward.