A tragic incident occurred in London when a woman, Jesmin Akter, accidentally killed her 11-year-old neighbor, Fatiha Sabrin, with poisonous gas she brought from Italy to exterminate bedbugs in her flat. Akter had illegally imported aluminium phosphide and failed to read the packaging before distributing a deadly amount around the property. The poisonous gas seeped into neighboring flats, resulting in the death of Fatiha and hospitalization of another child.
Akter admitted to manslaughter and importing a regulated substance. She was sentenced to two years in jail, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work. The judge noted Akter’s overwhelming guilt and the devastating impact her actions had on Fatiha’s family.
Fatiha’s father described her as an intelligent and kind child who was taken too soon on her 11th birthday. The court heard details about the horrific incident, including the estimated levels of phosphine gas that escaped into Fatiha’s home. Emergency services were called multiple times as Fatiha’s condition deteriorated, eventually leading to her tragic death.
Akter expressed remorse for her actions, explaining that she was desperate to address the bedbug infestation after failed attempts by the landlord. She apologized to Fatiha’s family, acknowledging the price they had paid for her actions.
The judge emphasized that the sentence imposed on Akter would never bring Fatiha back and would likely feel inadequate to her family. It was a tragic event that highlighted the dangers of using toxic substances without proper knowledge and precautions.
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