Mother accused of murdering her children is due to face court

Italian national Samira Lupidi, 24, was charged with the murders of her three-year-old daughter, Evelyn, and her one-year-old sister, Jasmine, after the youngsters were found with stab wounds at a property in Bradford last November.

Lupidi did not appear before magistrates following her arrest as she was said to be “in a very distraught state”.

A few days later on November 23 last year, she took part in a preliminary hearing at Bradford Crown Court via a video link to New Hall Prison where she has been held in custody.

During a discussion about the progress of her case yesterday, the Recorder of Bradford, Judge Roger Thomas, confirmed that Lupidi should be brought to the court for her next hearing when she will be asked to formally enter her pleas to the two murder charges.

The judge also indicated that the trial date set for May 9 was “non-negotiable”.

Barrister Kirsten Mercer, representing Lupidi, told the judge that reports compiled by a psychiatrist and a psychologist would be served by March 4. Prosecutor Stephen Wood said the Crown Prosecution Service expected to be able to respond with a medical report by March 18.

Lupidi, who will be assisted by an Italian interpreter, had been due to appear at the crown court for her plea and case management hearing on Monday, but the hearing has been delayed until Friday next week.

West Yorkshire Police officers have confirmed that the children were found at a property in Mint Street, Bradford, with multiple stab wounds. Both children died at Bradford Royal Infirmary at about noon on November 17.

Evelyn was born in Italy on January 27, 2012, and Jasmine was born in Huddersfield on June 26, 2014.