Nanny accused of beating baby to death (From Croydon Guardian)

Irish Nanny, Aisling McCarthy Brady, accused of beating baby to death

9:40am Friday 25th January 2013 in News By Hannah Williamson

The parents of a baby believed to have been beaten to death in America are going through "unimaginable pain and suffering."

Sameer Sabir, 34, from Thornton Heath and wife Nada Siddiqui's daughter Rehma, died in hospital two days after her first birthday and is said to have suffered "abusive" and "devastating" head injuries while in the care of her nanny.

Irish Nanny, Aisling McCarthy Brady, 34, has been charged with violently assaulting Rehma at her family home in Boston Massachusetts, on January 14.

The couple who moved to the United States from London four years ago, are being comforted by relatives, including Mr Sabir's parents Seema and Naveed, who had flown from their Thornton Heath home to celebrate their granddaughter's birthday.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named said of the couple: "I don't know them well but I saw the news.

"His parents are in America I think they went for their granddaughter's first birthday.

"I don't know their son very well, but know he was well educated. It is very sad."

Mr Sabir a UCL graduate who is believed to have attended Whitgift School, worked as an investment banker in London, before moving to Boston to complete his postgraduate studies at Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2008.

His wife, 29, who was born in Pakistan, works as a chartered financial analyst for a Boston based asset management firm.

Police were called to the couple's home just before 5pm on January 14, after Ms McCarthy Brady who is from Lavey, in the Irish Republic, called emergency services.

Rehma was found unconscious and was taken to hospital where she was treated for bleeding to her brain and eyes. She died of her injuries two days later.

A neighbour reported hearing screaming for an hour and a half before it fell silent.

Sameena Chaudhary, 59, who is a family friend of the Sabir's said: "Rehma seemed a normal, healthy baby. Sameer and his wife are wonderful parents.

"They are a very close family. Seema and Naveed often travel to Boston to see them. All we could do is pray for the little girl."

Investigators have revealed a blood-stained pillow, blanket and baby wipes were found in the Rehma's bedroom.

It has emerged Ms McCarthy Brady appears to be in the US illegally and has a history of violence.

In 2005 her boyfriend filed a restraining order against her for attacking him and two years later she was accused of attacking a woman.

Another restraining order was taken out against her last March.

Do you know Sameer Sabir? Contact the newsdesk on 0208 722 6353 or email hmcw@london.newsquest.co.uk