Father returned to work two days after daughter's death in Glasgow

The father of toddler Inaya Ahmed returned to work just two days after her life support machine was switched off in Glasgow, a murder trial has been told.

Suleman Ahmed, 31, was giving evidence for a second day at the trial of his wife Sadia Ahmed, 28, who denies murdering their 14-year-month daughter by placing a cushion over her face or shaking her by the body.

The offence was allegedly committed at 47 Benisadale Drive in Drumchapel on April 17 last year.

Inaya died three days later at the Royal Hospital for Children on April 20.

Defence QC Ian Duguid asked Mr Ahmed why he told the police that Inaya had choked on bread and was now saying his wife killed her and he said: “I'm telling the truth now. It was my daughter that was killed. It was my daughter that was taken away.”

Mr Ahmed said at the time he gave the police statements it was shortly after his daughter's death and he was confused and in pain.

Mr Duguid then said: “You were in perfect control of your situation. Two days after your daughter's life support machine was switched off you went back to work,” and Mr Ahmed replied: “Yes.'

The QC went on: “Your work were asking 'Are you sure you you want to come back?' and you said; 'Yes,” and the witness, who is a door steward, responded: “I've still got bills to pay.”

The jury was shown an email sent by Mr Ahmed to his boss on April 21, 2016, at 6.18pm in which he says 'I'll be in work this week. Got plenty of people to support my family and wife.

Mr Duguid said: “Your explanation for the statement you gave to the police on May 4, 2016 being untrue is because your life was turned upside down by the death of your daughter, but it appears you were back emailing your work on April 21.”

Mr Ahmed replied: “You have got that correct, but also I wanted to get my mind off things that's why I went back to work.”

The jury at the High Court in Glasgow heard that he sent text messages to friends just after Inaya's life support machine was switched off saying: “My daughter choked on food and her heart stopped beating for 45 minutes and seriously damaged her brain.”

Mr Duguid said: “The reason for you talking about her choking on food is because that's what you understood happened,” and Mr Ahmed replied: “That's not correct.

The jury was shown four photographs of murder accused Ahmed with her daughter .

One of the photographs showed both parents kissing Inaya just days after she was born. The other three showed mother and daughter smiling.

Mr Duguid asked Mr Ahmed: “Do these not show that your wife bonded with your daughter,” and he replied: “Pictures don't mean anything. They are just a split second.

The QC then accused Mr Ahmed of being the one who failed to bond with his daughter and pointed out that between November, 2015 and March 2016 he was often away working in London.

Mr Duguid said: “For any father it would be difficult to bond if he were constantly away from his home,” and the witness replied: “No, not at all. I was a father who was working to provide for my family. I didn't really want to go to London. I couldn't get a job in Glasgow.”

Mr Ahmed also denied a suggestion from Mr Duguid that he had hit his wife when she was three-months pregnant and claimed that the baby was not his.

The court also heard that Mr Ahmed was texting and meeting Sana Dean in the days before his daughter's death.

WhatsApp messages from April 15, 2016 were read to the jurors. Ms Dean said: “Thinking about how much I want you” and then Mr Ahmed replies: 'How much do you want me,' and she replied: 'I want you A LOT.'

Mr Ahmed denied he was having a relationship with the Ms Dean and said she was a friend he met in college in 2009 and had lost touch with until she contacted him.

Mr Duguid said: “If she says you used to sit in a car kissed and cuddled,, but didn't have sex, is that right,” and Mr Ahmed responded: “No, it was a kiss on the cheek and a friendly hug.”

The trial before judge Lord Matthews continues