A heartbreaking case has emerged from west London involving a three-year-old girl whose life ended far too soon.
Penelope Chandle was found in her family home in Hayes in a severely malnourished state, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances of her death.
The case has drawn widespread attention, not only for its shocking nature but also for the troubling details surrounding her upbringing.
Parents Deny Allegations
Her parents, Jaskiret Singh Uppal, 36, and Manpreet Jatana, 34, have appeared in court via video link from HMP Pentonville and Bronzefield, pleading not guilty to charges of murder.
The couple, both vegetarians, face accusations of deliberately starving Penelope over an extended period, allegations they firmly deny.
Cause of Death and Injuries
Forensic experts have attributed Penelope’s death to severe malnutrition and ketoacidosis.
Disturbingly, she was found with bruising around her neck and injuries on her hands, apparently caused by a sharp object.
Prosecutors allege these injuries are evidence of prolonged mistreatment, claiming the child was deliberately deprived of adequate nutrition and care.
Isolated Lifestyle and Diet
The court heard that Penelope’s parents led an extremely isolated lifestyle, avoiding contact with the wider world.
Their vegetarian diet reportedly consisted largely of yoghurt, lentils, and butter, which experts say was insufficient for a growing child.
The little girl’s birth had never been officially registered, and she was not enrolled in school.
The couple also allegedly failed to provide any medical care, leaving her vulnerable and unseen by outside authorities.
Disturbing Decisions After Her Death
Following Penelope’s death on December 17, 2023, Ms. Jatana reportedly contacted a funeral director to report her daughter’s passing.
The court heard that the parents initially considered cremating the body in their garden before seeking professional services.
Background on the Couple
Uppal and Jatana met at university and have lived together in a property owned by Uppal’s father.
Neither has been employed for some time.
Their trial will examine whether the child’s death resulted from murder, manslaughter, or neglect, along with charges of child cruelty.
Upcoming Trial
A trial date has been set for January 11, 2027, where both defendants will continue to deny all charges.
The case is expected to be closely watched due to its tragic circumstances and the serious nature of the allegations.
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