ABUL WAHAB AND ALEKSANDRA WAHAB SENTENCED IN NEWTOWNABBEY FOR CHILD'S MURDER

In a tragic case that has shocked the community of Newtownabbey, a young girl named Nadia Zofia Kalinowska lost her life after enduring a prolonged period of abuse at the hands of her stepfather, Abdul Wahab, and her mother, Aleksandra Wahab. The heartbreaking events unfolded at the family’s residence on Fernagh Drive, where Nadia was found with multiple injuries in December 2019.

According to police reports, Nadia, only five years old, had suffered over 70 surface injuries that had accumulated over a span of six months. These injuries included severe fractures to her skull, ribs, pelvis, and collarbone, as well as critical trauma to her brain and liver. The extent of her injuries indicated a relentless campaign of violence, which ultimately led to her tragic death.

On the day of her death, police and ambulance services responded to the family home in the early hours of Sunday, December 15, 2019. Paramedics found Nadia unconscious and rushed her to the hospital, where medical staff fought desperately to save her life. Despite their efforts, she succumbed shortly after arriving at the hospital. The autopsy revealed that her cause of death was due to head and abdominal injuries inflicted during the abuse.

Abdul Wahab, aged 35, was identified as her stepfather, and he was sentenced to serve a minimum of 22 years in prison for her murder. His wife, Aleksandra Wahab, aged 29, was convicted of allowing the death of a child and received a sentence of five and a half years behind bars. The court proceedings highlighted the tragic betrayal of trust, as both individuals failed to seek medical attention for Nadia’s injuries or intervene to protect her.

Detective Inspector Gina Quinn expressed her deep sorrow over the case, emphasizing the profound pain experienced by Nadia’s extended family in Poland. She stated, “Today five-year-old Nadia Kalinowska’s mother and stepfather have each been handed a prison sentence in connection with her murder. Police and ambulance attended the family home in Newtownabbey in the early hours of Sunday December 15, 2019. Here, little Nadia was found unconscious, and was taken to hospital by paramedics. Sadly, despite best medical efforts, she passed away a short time later.”

Inspector Quinn further described the brutality Nadia endured, noting that she had been subjected to repeated acts of violence over several months. She added, “Nadia, a young and innocent child, had been subjected to a campaign of violence by her stepfather, while her mother ignored the very obvious attacks being carried out on her young daughter. They failed to ever seek medical treatment for any of her injuries.”

The investigation was described as extensive, with authorities working closely with prosecutors from the Public Prosecution Service to ensure justice was served. The efforts of ambulance crews and staff at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children were also acknowledged, as they fought tirelessly to save Nadia’s life.

Ms. Quinn expressed her sympathies to Nadia’s family, especially her grandmother and relatives in Poland, who have endured unimaginable grief. She also noted the impact on the local community, including teachers and staff at Nadia’s school, St James’ Primary School in Newtownabbey, which was a safe haven for her. “Nadia was a much-loved pupil, and her loss has left a lasting scar on everyone who knew her,” she said. “While today’s sentences cannot bring her back, I hope they provide some measure of comfort to her family in Poland. The community’s thoughts remain with Nadia’s loved ones during this difficult time.”