Inquest into death of murdered Shropshire girl will not resume

Shropshire’s senior coroner, Nick Walker, confirmed the decision in the case of Eliza Ngaba at a hearing earlier this week.

Eliza died at the age of two on August 15, 2022, after being admitted to hospital with a respiratory infection.

In November 2019, the then seven-week-old Eliza had suffered catastrophic brain injuries at the hands of her mother, Sarah Ngaba, at her home in Brookside, Telford.

Ngaba was initially jailed for 14 years for grievous bodily harm with intent.

But in June this year, following an investigation launched as a result of Eliza’s death, Ngaba was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 19 years.

Due to the time already served on her previous sentence she will be eligible for parole after serving 12 years and 154 days.

An inquest into Eliza’s death had been adjourned during the criminal proceedings.

In a written ruling on whether to suspend the inquest process Mr Walker said concerns had been raised by Eliza’s family over her treatment at hospital in the days leading up to her death.

In the ruling Mr Walker explained that inquests can only resume where there is “sufficient reason for doing so”.

He detailed how the purpose of the inquest is to answer four questions: who died, where, when, and how.

Mr Walker said that having read the sentencing remarks from Mrs Justice Brunner, who presided over Ngaba’s trial, he was “satisfied not only that I can answer the questions I am required to answer but also that those facts were ventilated fully and publicly before the jury”.

He added: “I am satisfied that the issues raised there and the concerns of the parents do not amount to a sufficient reason to resume the inquest because they largely relate to events that took place when it was tragically recognised that Eliza was dying.

“It follows that the events complained of could not be said to have contributed to her death. I am also not satisfied that they could amount to broader concerns relevant to the prevention of future deaths.”

Offering his condolences to those bereaved by Eliza’s death, he said: “In my judgment, all relevant matters have been ventilated in public, and no further purpose can be achieved by resuming an inquest. The suspension will be permanent.”