A mother has been sentenced for the murder of her seven-week-old daughter.

Sarah Ngaba, 32, of Brookside, Telford, was sentenced today (12 June 2026) at Birmingham Crown Court to life with a minimum term of 12 years and 154 days for killing baby Eliza following a sustained assault at their home in 2019.

On 13 November 2019, Ngaba shook and struck Eliza with significant force. The assault caused catastrophic injuries, including a fractured skull, brain bleeding, retinal haemorrhages, spinal cord bleeding, extensive bruising and swelling.

Eliza survived the assault but was left profoundly disabled. On 15 August 2022, she died from a respiratory infection she would not have contracted had her injuries not left her so vulnerable.

Ngaba was previously convicted on 30 November 2020 of causing grievous bodily harm with intent for the same assault.

Kate Seal of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “This is one of the most distressing cases I have encountered in my eight years as a prosecutor. Eliza was just seven weeks old, entirely defenceless, and dependent on her mother for care and protection.

"Sarah Ngaba inflicted catastrophic injuries on a defenceless baby and then did everything she could to avoid responsibility for what she had done. Her account changed repeatedly and in ways that served only her own interests. She initially blamed a walking stick, then Eliza's father, and when phone records and CCTV proved that was impossible, she changed her account again.

"Eliza should have been safe in her mother’s care. Instead, her life was irrevocably damaged and, ultimately, cut short. Our thoughts remain with all those who loved her.”