Mahrah Al Nahyan, a member of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family through marriage, has been sentenced in the United Kingdom for child neglect. The 32-year-old admitted one charge at Southwark Crown Court following an incident in West London.
The court heard that Al Nahyan was found collapsed on a busy street while caring for a three-year-old child. An unconscious man was also found nearby, while the barefoot toddler was playing close to moving traffic.
Prosecutor Rio Pahlavanpour told the court that members of the public noticed the unattended child near a scooter. They intervened after becoming concerned about the toddler’s safety beside the busy road.
Details of the London Street Incident
According to the prosecution, Al Nahyan remained unresponsive for approximately 30 minutes. When she regained consciousness, she reportedly questioned why people were so concerned.
A video recorded by an onlooker showed her lying on the pavement beside children’s toys. These included a scooter and a toy plane. The unconscious man was found nearby, next to railings and a bin.
Police searched Al Nahyan and discovered drug paraphernalia. However, officers did not find any illegal substances during the search.
The court also heard that the toddler faced potential danger during the incident. On one occasion, the child reportedly ran towards the road while chasing a piece of paper. A member of the public stopped the child before they reached further danger.
The judge said the intervention of strangers had prevented a potentially serious outcome. He warned that the child could have suffered serious injuries or faced other risks.
Defence Discusses Cocaine Use and Treatment
The court heard that Al Nahyan entered addiction treatment at the Priory Centre in Woking, Surrey, after the incident. Her defence lawyer, Stephen Vullo KC, said she had shown significant remorse.
The defence told the court that Al Nahyan had not taken cocaine on the day of the offence. However, she was reportedly very tired after using cocaine in the preceding days.
Vullo said she had stopped using drugs after entering treatment in July. She planned to complete a three-month programme by the end of October.
After completing treatment, Al Nahyan intended to rent a property near Guildford. She also planned to attend Narcotics Anonymous as a day patient.
The defence said she understood the seriousness of her actions and the risks involved. The court considered these circumstances during sentencing.
Court Imposes Fine and Community Order
Judge Johnson KC sentenced Al Nahyan to a two-year community order with a rehabilitation requirement. The court also imposed a £5,000 fine and ordered her to pay £1,000 in costs.
The judge said leaving the barefoot child near moving traffic showed a serious disregard for the toddler’s safety. He stressed that the situation could have ended in serious injury without public intervention.
The court heard that the child could have been injured, become lost, or encountered a dangerous stranger. The judge also highlighted the distress the child could have experienced while both adults were unresponsive.
Background of Abu Dhabi’s Ruling Family
Mahrah Al Nahyan is connected to Abu Dhabi’s ruling family through marriage. The family is among the world’s wealthiest dynasties, with significant interests in oil and international investments.
The court heard that Al Nahyan receives a monthly allowance of £8,000. The financial penalties were imposed alongside the community order and rehabilitation requirement.
The case has drawn attention to child safety and the consequences of neglect. It also highlights the importance of public intervention when a child appears to face immediate danger.
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Al Nahyan’s defence said she regretted her actions and intended to continue her recovery after completing treatment.
