Nazli Merthoca, 24, has been sentenced to nine and a half years in prison after a jury at the Old Bailey found her guilty of manslaughter following the death of her daughter, Kaylani Kalanzi.

The court heard that Kaylani was admitted to hospital on 8 July 2024 with severe brain injuries, as well as fractures to her leg and ribs. She died 15 days later.

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Merthoca denied wrongdoing and did not give evidence during the trial. Prosecutors told the jury that she had lost her temper with the baby and had not engaged with social workers who had been supporting the family. After more than 15 hours of deliberation, the jury cleared Merthoca of murder but found her guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Sentencing her, Judge Mark Lucraft KC described the death of Kaylani as the loss of a “precious life” and noted that the consequences of Merthoca’s actions would be lasting.

The court also heard that Kaylani had been born prematurely and spent nearly a month in a special care baby unit before being discharged home in May 2024. Kaylani’s father, Herbert Kalanzi, was acquitted of murder after the jury cleared him of causing or allowing her death.

Detective Inspector John Marriott of Scotland Yard said that the investigation involved extensive medical and digital evidence. He noted the complexity of the case and commended the investigative team for their work.

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