Man to serve 22 years in prison for 'brutal, merciless and outrageous' murder of stepdaughter

A man has been told he must serve a minimum of 22 years in prison for the "brutal, merciless and outrageous" murder of his five-year-old stepdaughter.

Nadia Zofia Kalinowska died after she was found with multiple injuries at her family home at Fernagh Drive in Newtownabbey in December 2019.

At Belfast Crown Court, Mr Justice O'Hara sentenced Abdul Wahab, 35, for repeatedly attacking and beating Nadia, who had suffered more than 70 injuries, including a fractured skull, over many months.

The judge said: "What Mr Wahab did to Nadia was brutal, merciless and outrageous.

"I do not believe in any way that Nadia's injuries relate to her being clumsy or accident prone."

Nadia's mother Aleksandra Wahab, 29, was sentenced to 11 years, half to be served in custody, for allowing the death of a child and allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm.

A statement from Nadia's family said: "Nadia was just a child. A child who had her young and innocent life cruelly taken away.

"Our little one was loved and treasured by her family here in Poland.

"We have supported the police investigation over the last traumatic 3 ½ years, and are truly grateful to everyone for their support. 

"We’re still, however, trying to come to terms with what happened to Nadia.  And I’m not sure that we ever will.  To be honest, our worlds have been shattered.

"Nadia will always remain in the heart of her loving grandmother and her closest family in Poland."

PSNI Detective Inspector Gina Quinn said her thoughts are with Nadia’s grandmother and extended family in Poland, "who have suffered unimaginable heartache and pain".

She continued: “Today five year old Nadia Kalinowska’s mother and stepfather have each been handed a prison sentence in connection with her murder.

"Police and Ambulance attended the family home in Newtownabbey in the early hours of Sunday, 15th December 2019.

“Here, little Nadia was found unconscious, and was taken to hospital by paramedics.  Sadly, despite best medical efforts, she passed away a short time later.

"Nadia died from head and abdominal injuries, however, she also sustained multiple fractures to her skull, ribs, pelvis and collarbone and serious injuries to her brain and liver.

"At the time of her death, she had over 70 surface injuries on her body which had been inflicted on various occasions over a six-month period.

“Nadia, who was a young and innocent child, had been subjected to a campaign of violence by her stepfather, while her mother ignored the very obvious attacks being carried out on her young daughter.

"They failed to ever seek medical treatment for any of her injuries. This was the ultimate betrayal of trust by the two people who should have protected, loved and cared for Nadia.

Watch: Video of Nadia released as stepfather and mother sentenced.

“This has been a lengthy investigation and from the start we have worked closely with specialist prosecutors in the Public Prosecution Service to get justice for Nadia.

“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of colleagues in the Ambulance Service and the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, who fought so hard to save Nadia’s life.

“My thoughts today are with Nadia’s grandmother and extended family in Poland, who have suffered unimaginable heartache and pain."

She continued: “The whole community, including teachers and staff at Nadia’s school, have been left shaken by this truly distressing case. Nadia was a much-loved pupil at St James’ Primary School in Newtownabbey.

"This was her safe space; and I’m grateful to the school for their support throughout this investigation.

“Nadia’s mother and stepfather denied her the future she deserved and while today’s result will not bring her back, I hope it can bring some comfort to her remaining family in Poland.

“Today in our community there are children for whom home is not their safe space.  Sometimes abuse is not obvious and the onus falls to us all to protect the most vulnerable members of our society who cannot protect themselves.

“The Police Service of Northern Ireland remains committed to investigating all reports of abuse against children and young people.  

“We want to empower our communities to be the voice for a child at risk and to have confidence to report any concerns to us so we can investigate.

“If you’re concerned about a child’s welfare, please contact us on 101, or in an emergency call 999.” 

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