Pair in court over remains of boy, 4, in garden

Tai and Naiyahmi Yasharahyalah appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday

A couple have appeared before a judge accused of child cruelty towards their young son, whose body was found buried in a back garden.

Detectives discovered Abiyah Yasharahyalah after searching an address in Handsworth, Birmingham, about a year ago.

Tai and Naiyahmi Yasharahyalah, aged 41 and 42, are also accused of perverting the course of justice.

They appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday, but did not indicate if they would plead guilty or not guilty.

West Midlands Police said officers believed Abiyah was about four years old and died sometime in 2020.

Detectives were pictured searching a property on Clarence Road in December 2022.

A search took place at a property in Handsworth about a year ago

A pathologist has since been unable to establish the boy's cause of death, the force added.

Mr and Ms Yasharahyalah, both of no fixed address, are accused of neglecting the child between 2 April 2016 and 2 September 2021 and perverting the course of justice between 29 June 2021 and 2 September 2021.

At the time of the Handsworth search, West Midlands Police said the home's current occupiers were not connected to the inquiry.

Mr and Ms Yasharahyalah were granted bail and a case management hearing is scheduled for 2 February 2024.

West Midlands Police said the home's current occupiers were not related to the search