SECTOR NEWS
UPDATE (19 Jan 2024): At an Old Bailey hearing on 12 January, Jesmin Akter entered a 'not guilty' plea to charges of manslaughter and importing a regulated substance.
It is alleged Akter used an imported substance to control bed bugs in her flat which resulted in the death of her neighbour, 11-year-old Fatiha Sabrin.
A hearing has been set for 19 April and a three-week trial is set to begin on 1 July.
Jesmin Akter, 33, has been charged with manslaughter and importing a regulated substance, after she allegedly used three times the recommended amount of aluminium phosphide pellets to treat bed bugs in her flat, resulting in the death of her neighbour.
Fatiha Sabrin died on 21 December 2021, just one day after her 11th birthday, at her home in Shadwell, East London.
It was previously reported that "unidentified pest control products" had caused the death of a young girl, but following Met Police investigations and a thorough inquiry, more details are now available.
Thames Magistrates Court heard how Fatiha went into cardiac arrest after being poisoned by phosphine gas from aluminium phosphide pellets in the flat below her family home.
Prosecutor Varinder Hayre told the court:
“Mrs Akter is facing very serious allegations.
"This case related to a death of an 11-year-old female victim, which took place in a block of flats, and she died as a result of a poisonous substance called aluminium phosphide, which is designed for pest control on farmland to protect crops.
“It is a regulated substance in the UK, which requires a license to possess and use it. Between 23 November 2021 and 26 November 2021, it is alleged that Mrs Akter travelled to Italy to visit her brother.
“She purchased a quantity of aluminium phosphide to tackle the pest problem inside her property.”
On 10 December 2021, Akter put the product around her home to try and tackle a bed bug infestation.
Prosecutor Hayre added:
“She distributed a number of tablets on the floor of her flat, and on the top of the cabinets, using almost three times the required about for the space she used it in.
"The aluminium phosphide was activated by exposure to the moisture in her flat, creating a dangerous gas known as phosphine gas, a highly toxic and poisonous gas.
“This gas then travelled to the flats above Mrs Akter’s flat, which resulted in the gas travelling to the 11-year-old victim’s own flat.
"As a result the victim went into cardiac arrest on the 11 December 2021, and she passed away shortly afterwards in the hospital, despite efforts being made by the medical team.”
Akter has been released on bail until her next court appearance at the Old Bailey on 19 September.
Safe and responsible pesticide use
Ian Andrew, Chief Executive at British Pest Control Association, commented:
"Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Fatiha as this case continues to progress.
"It's a tragic situation which could have been avoided, and highlights the risks of attempting dangerous DIY pest control methods.
"This particular product is regulated for a reason, as this awful case shows. However, no pesticide - regulated or not - should be used without due care.
"We've spoken to Tower Hamlets Council and offered to support their initiative in raising awareness around the dangers of misused pesticides.
“If you’re concerned about any pest control products, contact your local professional pest management company. A list of our members is available on our website."