Khyra Ishaq case: Couple remanded following court appearance

The mother of seven-year-old Khyra Ishaq and her partner have been remanded in custody until 1 September following a court hearing yesterday.

Angela Gordon, 33 and and Junaid Abuhamza, 29, of Handsworth, Birmingham, who have both been charged with “causing or allowing” Khyra’s death between 9 and 17 May, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court via a video link from separate prisons yesterday.

They will reappear on 1 September for a further hearing after prosecutors have gathered evidence against them.

Khyra’s death

Khyra died on 17 May in hospital after being found at home in a reportedly emaciated state, though police are still awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination. Last week, Birmingham safeguarding children board began a serious case review into her death, which will report after criminal proceedings have concluded.

However, child protection agencies have faced criticism from local MP Khalid Mahmood over allegations the children were taken out of school several weeks ago and visited by an education officer, but that no follow-up visits were made.

The court heard yesterday that Abuhamza had lived at Gordon’s home in Leyton Road for around eight months.

Speaking outside court, Khyra’s cousin, Sydonia, 19, said the family was “pulling together” in the wake of Khyra’s death, but added: “It’s been hard though, real hard.”

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