Sentences Lengthened for Parents Convicted of Killing Their 13-Week-Old Son

A couple from Seacombe, Wallasey, whose infant son suffered a horrifying 41 fractures before his tragic death, have had their prison sentences significantly lengthened following intervention from the Attorney General.

Lengthened Sentences Following Attorney General Intervention

Nivalda Santos Pirjani, aged 35, and Klevi Pirjani, aged 37, now face minimum terms of 17 years and 9 months, and 21 years and 6 months respectively. This adjustment was made after the Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, referred their sentences to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The court was informed that their son, Miguel Pirjani, spent his first month in a hospital before being discharged into the care of his parents. However, within days of returning home, Miguel was subjected to his first act of violence, resulting in two fractured ribs. This brutal treatment escalated in the weeks that followed.

Details of the Fatal Assault on Miguel Pirjani

On 24 November 2024, when Miguel was just 13 weeks old, he endured a fatal assault. This incident involved one or more severe blows to his head. Paramedics managed to restart his heart, but he never regained consciousness and tragically passed away five days later at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

Medical examinations revealed that Miguel had sustained a total of 41 fractures, which included injuries to his ribs, legs, arm, collarbone, and spine, all inflicted during a series of repeated assaults over several weeks. The judge acknowledged that while it could not be determined which parent had delivered the fatal blows, both acted in concert, with one encouraging the other in their violent behaviour.

Response from the Attorney General and Court Sentencing

Ellie Reeves KC MP expressed her deep remorse for Miguel’s suffering, stating: “Miguel Pirjani was a defenceless baby who had an entire life to live, yet he suffered appallingly cruel violence at the hands of the two people who should have protected him. This was a truly harrowing case, and my thoughts are with everyone who loved and cared for him.” She further welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to adjust the minimum terms, reaffirming her commitment to ensuring that those who commit the most heinous crimes face the full force of the law.

On 23 March 2026, at Liverpool Crown Court, Nivalda Santos Pirjani received a life sentence with a minimum term of 15 years and three months for murder, along with an additional four years and six months for causing grievous bodily harm with intent, to run concurrently. Klevi Pirjani was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 19 years for murder, alongside a concurrent six years and six months for causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Final Adjustments to Sentencing

In a recent decision on Tuesday, 27 October, the Court of Appeal reviewed the case and subsequently increased Nivalda Santos Pirjani’s minimum term to 17 years and 9 months, while Klevi Pirjani’s minimum term was raised to 21 years and 6 months. This outcome serves as a stark reminder of the grave consequences of violence against the most vulnerable members of society.