GRAVESEND MAN JAILED FOR LIFE FOR MURDERING ADOPTED 2-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER
A man named Jan Gholami, aged 33, was convicted of murdering his two-year-old adopted daughter Zahra Ghulami.The child died after Gholami allegedly banged her head against a wall, causing a skull fracture with 'significant impact'.
Zahra suffered a severe head injury and skull fracture, and she was taken to hospital on May 27, 2020, where she died two days later.
Gholami was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 23 years and six months before parole eligibility.
The prosecution highlighted that Gholami had previously inflicted injuries on Zahra and had a history of a 'bad temper,' which he took out on her and his wife.
The jury found Gholami guilty of murder after a nearly 20-hour deliberation at Maidstone Crown Court in January 2024, with a majority verdict of 10 to two.
He was also found guilty of child cruelty.
His wife, Roqia Ghulami, who was cleared of murder, was convicted of child neglect and received a two-year sentence.
Evidence during the trial revealed Gholami's history of domestic abuse, including an incident where he punched his wife, Ghulami.
Gholami, originally from Afghanistan, had come to the UK in January 2016 and adopted Zahra in 2017 after her biological father, a friend of Gholami, was unable to care for her after his wife died in childbirth.
There was an allegation that Gholami had inflicted older injuries on Zahra before her death, and he denied harming her, claiming she fell down the stairs.
During the trial, Ghulami described Zahra as a 'bright, intelligent' and 'highly curious' girl who wanted to learn about everything.
The court heard testimony that Gholami did not give evidence but told police he thought Zahra fell down the stairs.
The Deputy Chief Constable from Kent Police stated that Zahra was betrayed by those she trusted and that Gholami's actions were 'brutal'.
The court's outcome ensures that Gholami will serve over 23 years before parole consideration, and justice has been served for Zahra.
