Mother Expected to Plead Guilty to Killing Three Children

A mother is expected to plead guilty to killing her three young children, a court has been informed.

Seven-year-old Fares Bash, three-year-old Joury Bash, and nine-month-old Mohammed Bash were found dead at their home in Sea Mills, Bristol, on February 18, 2024. The mother, Yasmeen Ali, 44, is expected to plead guilty to their manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, and to the infanticide of her youngest son.

Previously, an inquest heard that the children died of knife wounds to their chests and necks. Fares Bash also showed signs consistent with asphyxia.

Ali, who has no fixed address, was initially charged with three counts of murder and was scheduled to face trial at Bristol Crown Court next month. However, the prosecution indicated that psychiatric reports have made reduced pleas available.

"Both of them, perhaps unsurprisingly in the circumstances of this case, indicating that the partial defence of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility is available to Ms Ali," said Anna Vigars KC, prosecuting. She added that the charge of infanticide related to the youngest child's age, and that diminished responsibility applied to all three deaths. The Crown indicated that it would accept pleas to manslaughter by diminished responsibility after consultation with the children's father.

Andrew Langdon KC, representing Ali, stated that he anticipated guilty pleas to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility for all three children would be entered at the next hearing, predicting that a trial would not proceed.

Mr Justice Linden scheduled the next hearing for October 23, when the case is expected to be concluded. Ali, who did not attend the hearing, is currently being held in a secure psychiatric hospital.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct stated that no investigation was required regarding prior police contact with the family following the incident, after the Avon and Somerset Police referred itself to the watchdog.