The parents of a baby girl allegedly killed in West Bromwich were being monitored by social services, court hears
A court has been told that social services were monitoring the parents of a two-month-old baby girl allegedly killed in West Bromwich.
Harleen Bains died after sustaining head injuries at a maisonette in Caddick Crescent, in West Bromwich, on July 23, 2020 and died the following day.
Her mother Zara Arsalan, also known as Sharandeep Talwandi, aged 31, is standing trial at Coventry Crown Court accused of murdering her.
On Tuesday the jury heard evidence that the family was being monitored by a case management team of health and social workers due to concerns that her parents had been suspected of being drunk while looking her and that father Jatinder Bains had mental health issues as they were first time parents.
The witness statement of social worker Jan Clarke, of Sandwell Children's Trust, was read aloud to the jury by prosecuting barrister Miss Chloe Ashley.
Ms Clarke stated that she carried out a home visit on June 29 three days after receiving a report that the defendant and her ex-parent had been drunk. She said both denied they had been drunk with Mr Bains stating that he did not drink alcohol.
The jury also heard that Mr Bains revealed that the defendant had drunk two to three shots of whisky and explained that "things had slipped" in recent days. The visiting team said the baby was in Arsalan's arms and the defendant, seemed "fine and happy". Arsalan told the team that it was the first time she had any alcohol since the birth and the matter had been "blown out of proportion".
Arsalan told the social workers she had argued with her mother-in-law and that the police had been called to the address due to "made up lies".
She also assured them that they had support from family and friends. The team also recorded that the defendant was interacting with Harleen and they had no concerns other than advising the parents to tidy up which they did by the time a follow-up visit was carried out.
Arsalan, attended part of hearing on Tuesday, but asked to be excused while the statements were being read.
The prosecution case is that Harleen's injuries were caused by a single episode of extreme violence involving contact with a hard surface and by being shaken. The defendant claims she and the baby were punched by her former partner Jay Bain resulting in the baby ending up on the floor.
Arsalan, aged 31, of Floyer Road, Bordesley Green, Birmingham, denies the allegations.
The trial continues.
