Mother appears in court charged with murder after baby falls from building

A mother has appeared in court charged with murdering her 18-day-old daughter after the infant fell from a residential property.

Zahira Byjaouane, 43, was not asked to enter a plea at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday.

She spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth and address during the minutes-long hearing.

Byjaouane waved to loved ones in the public gallery as she entered and left the dock of the court.

Her case was deemed too serious to be seen at the magistrates' court and was sent to the Old Bailey, where she is set to appear on Wednesday.

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Judge John Zani told her: "This case has to be dealt with at the higher court and you will be appearing at the Central Criminal Court in two days' time which is March 18.

"It is in custody by reason of the nature of the allegations. Bail does not arise in this court."

Police officers attended Horseferry Road in Westminster, central London, on Saturday morning, following reports that a baby had fallen from a height, the Met Police said over the weekend.

The girl was pronounced dead in hospital.

Flowers were left near the Peabody Estate building on Sunday morning, where a police cordon had been lifted.

(c) Sky News 2026: Mother appears in court charged with murder after baby falls from building