Tragic Hamzah can finally be laid to rest

Hamzah Khan was four-and-a-half years old when he died following a shocking case of neglect which led to his mother, Amanda Hutton, being tried and convicted for his manslaughter.

Hamzah’s mummified remains were found in a cot in his mother’s bedroom 21 months after his death. His growth had been stunted by starvation over a long period of time.

Yesterday acting coroner Professor Paul Marks, sitting at Bradford coroner’s court. offered his condolences to Hamzah’s father, Aftab Khan, who attended a brief inquest into his son’s death.

After hearing a resume of the case from Detective Inspector Ian Lawrie, Professor Marks described it as “very distressing and tragic”. He said it was not necessary to go into any detail because the relevant facts had already been outlined at Bradford Crown Court.

Aftab Khan confirmed yesterday he wanted a burial ceremony for his son.

Hutton was jailed for 15 years for the manslaughter of Hamzah and for neglecting five more of her children at a house in Heaton, Bradford.

Hamzah had been fed less than his siblings and his growth was so stunted he still fit into clothing for a baby aged from six to nine months.

An independent review is being conducted to see if any lessons can be learned from the tragedy.