Abdul Wahab sentenced to life in prison for the murder of stepdaughter Nadia Kalinowska, 5

A stepfather has pleaded guilty to the murder of a five-year-old girl who suffered serious injuries such as those sustained in a car accident.

Nadia Zofia Kalinowska, 5, was hospitalized in December 2019 from the family home in Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim.

Her stepfather, Abdul Wahab, 34, pleaded guilty to the youth’s murder on the second day of his trial at Belfast Crown Court.

He also pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional aggravated assault – including within 24 hours of the fatal attack.

Nadia Zofia Kalinowska, 5, was hospitalized in December 2019 from the family home in Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim

Police arrested her stepfather, Abdul Wahab, and her mother, Aleksandra Wahab, who were on trial for Nadia’s murder. Her mother pleaded guilty to allowing a child to die and allowing a child to suffer physical harm. Wahab pleaded guilty to first degree murder and aggravated assault. Pictured: Fernagh Drive, Newtownabbey, where Nadia was attacked

Nadia’s mother, Aleksandra Wahab, 28, pleaded guilty to allowing the death of a child and allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm.

Wahab has been jailed for life, although he must return to Belfast Crown Court next month for the minimum sentence he must serve.

Opening the case on Wednesday, prosecutor Liam McCollum outlined the injuries Nadia suffered.

A post-mortem revealed that Nadia suffered a fractured skull and liver destruction directly responsible for her death.

However, the investigation revealed pre-existing injuries that showed the five-year-old girl had been subjected to a long-running campaign of abuse.

Her ribs were broken and broken again. She also suffered fractures to her collarbone, pelvis, and intestinal injuries.

In all, pathologists found evidence of 70 superficial injuries on the youth’s body, including cuts and bruises.

The injuries were described as similar to those suffered by victims involved in a car accident.

The couple originally claimed Nadia fell down the stairs on December 15, 2019 while they were sleeping at their home on the northern outskirts of Belfast.

However, the pair were arrested and later charged with murder after multiple and possibly historic injuries were found on Nadia’s body, suggesting she suffered long-term abuse.

Mr Justice O’Hara released the jury after the prosecution accepted the guilty pleas.

He has the couple remanded in custody until March 9, when the verdict will be finalized.

The couple’s lawyers are expected to submit reports to the court before sentencing.