London: Girl Dies of Starvation at the Hands of Her Vegetarian Parents
March 24, 2026823 ViewsRead Time: 1 Minutes
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The couple Manpreet Jatana (34 years old) and Jaskirat Singh Opal (36 years old) appeared before the Old Bailey court in London, charged with the murder of their three-year-old daughter Penelope Chandley, after she died from severe malnutrition.
Prosecution Investigations and Cause of Death
Prosecutor Philip McGee revealed that the couple, who follow a vegetarian diet, intentionally starved the child with a diet limited to butter, lentils, and yogurt, leading to her death.
Couple's Denial and Additional Charges
The couple denied the charge of murder, while alternative charges include manslaughter due to gross negligence, causing the death of a child, and child abuse.
Upcoming Judicial Proceedings
Judge Mark Lucraft ordered the couple to be remanded in custody until the case management hearing on July 17, with the trial set to begin on January 11 before a High Court judge, expected to last eight weeks.
Isolation Circumstances and Their Impact
The prosecutor explained that the couple was isolated from family and community, and they were not working at the time of the child's death, which contributed to the tragedy of Penelope.
