In 2026, the Offender Database recorded that Zara Arsalan, 31, of Birmingham, was jailed for life for the murder of her two-month-old daughter. On appearing at Coventry Crown Court on Thursday 12 March 2026, the defendant was sentenced to a minimum term of 19 years for the killing of baby Harleen Bains, also known as Bambi. It was reported that the infant was found with unstable breathing and a serious head injury at an address in West Bromwich on 23 July 2020.
The investigation established that Arsalan’s claims regarding the child’s injuries were false. West Midlands Police reported that while Arsalan insisted the baby had simply fallen from her lap, medical evidence proved the injuries were consistent with the child being shaken and her head coming into contact with a hard surface. The prosecution reported that baby Harleen had sustained multiple skull fractures, bleeding on the brain, fractured ribs, and a fractured collar bone.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that the injuries inflicted on the two-month-old were catastrophic and non-accidental. Coventry Crown Court heard how paramedics transported the baby to hospital, where she died the following day. The investigation established that a post-mortem examination conclusively ruled out a simple fall, instead pointing to a violent assault. The judge noted that Arsalan had denied the murder throughout the proceedings, forcing a trial that lasted until her conviction last month.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Poole noted that the child died at the hands of the person who should have been doing everything to keep her safe. For her actions in West Bromwich, Arsalan was handed a life sentence. The judge noted the vulnerability of the victim and the gravity of the breach of maternal trust, informing Arsalan she would serve at least 18 years and 300 days behind bars before being eligible for parole.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of Zara Arsalan is as follows:
- Custodial Sentence: Life imprisonment (2026).
- Minimum Term: 19 years (18 years and 300 days remaining at sentencing).
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Coventry Crown Court following a West Midlands Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Murder.
- Origin: Birmingham and West Bromwich, West Midlands.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Arsalan is managed by HM Prison Service and will remain under the supervision of the National Probation Service for the rest of her life upon any future release. Due to the nature of her conduct in West Bromwich, which involved the violent murder of her own infant, her management is subject to the highest level of scrutiny. Authorities state that she will only be released if the Parole Board determines she no longer poses a risk to the public, and she will remain on permanent licence thereafter.
As a convicted killer in the West Midlands, Arsalan’s history of child murder will remain on her permanent criminal record. Authorities state that her actions resulted in the tragic loss of a defenceless child. Any future attempt to work with children or vulnerable persons in Birmingham or elsewhere will be permanently prevented through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), ensuring that the details of her behaviour are available to all relevant authorities.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.