Father found guilty of murdering daughter

Police alleged the Mahomeds coached their daughter on how to answer questions about how Tahani was hurt. Photos / Greg Bowker

A father has been found guilty of beating and murdering his 11-week-old baby girl.

Azees Mahomed, 31, and his wife Tabbasum Mahomed, 26, have been on trial at the High Court at Auckland for the last 12 days.

Only Mr Mahomed was charged with murder and of two counts of causing Tahani grievous bodily harm.

The couple were jointly charged with failing to provide the baby with the necessaries of life.

They have been found guilty of all charges and remanded in custody until sentencing on December 15.

The foreperson broke down in tears after the verdicts were delivered but the couple remained emotionless as they were led away.

Justice Rhys Harrison told the jury the trial had been traumatic and extraordinary and excused them from jury service for the next five years.

He said the case had given them an insight into human dynamics, even though it was a very sad one.

Inquiry head Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Lynch said the investigation had been challenging and frustrating but was pleased with the result.

"It was very clear from early on in the investigation these were non accidental injuries and there were only two people who could have inflicted them."

Tahani was admitted to Auckland's Starship Hospital on December 28, 2007 with serious head injuries. She died on January 1, 2008.

The six woman and five man jury had deliberated for five hours, beginning yesterday afternoon and resuming just after 9am this morning.

The Crown said Tahani's head injuries were the result of being slammed against a hard "unforgiving" surface.

When she was admitted to hospital she was found to be malnourished and weighing only 4kg.