In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that 34-year-old Manpreet Jatana and 36-year-old Jaskiret Singh Uppal appeared at the Old Bailey, Greater London, accused of the starvation death of their three-year-old daughter. The defendants—of Hayes, Hillingdon, Middlesex—face charges of murder and manslaughter by gross negligence following the death of Penelope Chandle. It was reported that the child was born in 2019 and died in December 2023 after being subjected to a restrictive diet consisting predominantly of butter, lentils, and yoghurt.
The investigation established that Penelope’s body was discovered at the family home in Hayes, Hillingdon, Middlesex, after her mother contacted a funeral director. Metropolitan Police reported that the parents had allegedly discussed cremating the toddler’s body in their back garden prior to reporting the death. The prosecution reported that medical experts determined the cause of death as severe malnutrition and ketoacidosis, conditions directly linked to the deliberate withholding of adequate nourishment.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that neither parent had been in employment for a significant period leading up to the child’s death. The Old Bailey, Greater London, heard that the couple denied all charges, including child cruelty and allowing the death of a child. The investigation established that the household followed a strict vegetarian diet, which the prosecution alleges was weaponised to starve the victim until her body could no longer function.
Judge Mark Lucraft, the Recorder of London, remanded both defendants in custody following their appearance via video link from HMP Belmarsh and HMP Bronzefield. For the alleged actions in Hayes, Hillingdon, Middlesex, an eight-week trial has been scheduled to begin in January of next year. The judge noted that the case management would continue throughout the summer to ensure all forensic evidence regarding the child’s nutritional state is fully prepared for the High Court.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Manpreet Jatana and Jaskiret Singh Uppal as of 2026 was as follows:
- Legal Status: Remanded in custody; Trial set for January 11, 2027.
- Charges: Murder; Manslaughter by gross negligence; Child cruelty.
- Custody Locations: HMP Belmarsh and HMP Bronzefield.
- Judicial Oversight: Case heard at the Old Bailey, Greater London, following a Metropolitan Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Pending trial for the death of Penelope Chandle.
- Origin: Hayes, Hillingdon, Middlesex.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Jatana and Singh Uppal are currently managed within the high-security prison estate while awaiting trial for the events in Hayes, Hillingdon, Middlesex. Due to the nature of the allegations, which involve the slow and systematic starvation of a vulnerable three-year-old, their management is a maximum priority for the Ministry of Justice. Authorities state that the details of the case, including the reported plan to dispose of the body in a garden, mark this as a significant investigation into extreme child neglect and homicide.
As defendants in a capital case, their details are logged within the national judicial database. Authorities state that the behaviour reported in Middlesex demonstrated a total failure of parental duty. Any future legal developments or potential convictions will result in a permanent record on the Violent and Sex Offender Register (ViSOR) if relevant thresholds are met, ensuring the ongoing safety of the community and upholding the protection of the public from individuals accused of such grave cruelty.
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