PROSECUTION

A woman in Shadwell, East London, has been spared jail after accidentally killing her 11-year-old neighbour with poisonous gas, reports the BBC.

Jesmin Akter, 34, imported aluminium phosphide from Italy to tackle a bed bug infestation in her flat. She didn't read the packaging and used a deadly amount.

The gas, phosphine, seeped into a neighbouring flat, killing Fatiha Sabrin on her birthday in December 2021. Another child was hospitalised.

Akter admitted manslaughter and importing a regulated substance. She received a two-year suspended sentence and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

Judge Alexia Durran highlighted the poor pest management practices in the block of flats and warned that Akter’s actions could have caused a mid-air disaster if the packaging had been damaged during her flight.

BPCA Chief Exec Ian Andrew said:

“This is a devastating case that the whole pest management community has been following closely.

“All our thoughts go out to those involved in this terrible tragedy.

“This tragic incident underscores the importance of using only approved pest control methods and products as per the manufacturer guidelines.

“Pest control products can be dangerous, and despite there being tough chemical regulations in the UK, it’s all too easy for members of the public to get their hands on our professional tools.

“We always recommend the use of an adequately trained and qualified pest professional for all control work”.

The quantity of aluminium phosphide used by Akter was nearly three times the amount recommended by the manufacturer. 

Aluminium phosphide treatments require advanced qualifications and should never be used in domestic properties.

A list of trained, qualified and assessed pest management companies is available on the BPCA website at bpca.org.uk/find