Jesmin Akter, a 34-year-old woman from London, has been given a suspended sentence after accidentally killing her 11-year-old neighbor with poisonous gas she illegally imported from Italy to exterminate bedbugs in her flat in Tower Hamlets. The incident occurred on the victim’s 11th birthday, causing widespread devastation in the community.
Akter failed to read the packaging of the aluminium phosphide she used, which created a deadly gas that seeped into neighboring flats, resulting in the death of the young girl and hospitalization of another child. She admitted manslaughter by committing an unlawful act and importing a regulated substance.
The judge described the tragic incident as a result of Akter’s actions to handle a bedbug infestation in her flat. The court heard heartbreaking statements from the victim’s family, highlighting the loss of a promising young life. Despite acknowledging Akter’s previous good character, the judge emphasized the irreversible impact of her actions on the victim’s family and the community.
Akter expressed remorse for her actions, stating that she did not realize the product she used contained a dangerous poison. She apologized to the victim’s family, acknowledging the devastating consequences of her decision to handle the infestation using the toxic substance.
The court noted the significant amount of poisonous gas that escaped into the victim’s home and the hazardous materials incident declared by the London Fire Brigade. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of following safety protocols and regulations when using hazardous substances, especially in residential areas.
Overall, the judge’s decision to give Akter a suspended sentence reflects the complex circumstances surrounding the case and the profound impact of her actions on the victim’s family and the community.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com