Birmingham Man Denies Murder of Kenyan Carer as Court Hears Events

A Birmingham man has denied a charge of murder in connection with the death of his carer, a court has heard.

David Walsh, 34, entered a not guilty plea during a short hearing held by video link from HMP Birmingham on Tuesday, 6 January. He spoke only to confirm his plea and remains in custody ahead of a trial due to begin on 23 February.

The charge relates to the death of 46-year-old Irene Mbugua, who was found seriously injured at a property on Markby Road in the Winson Green area of Birmingham in the early hours of 23 June last year. Emergency services were called after concerns were raised about her welfare. 

Police officers discovered Ms Mbugua inside the house with severe head and facial injuries, and she was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics. According to court documents, Ms Mbugua had been working as Walsh’s carer as part of her professional duties. 

She had been assigned to support him several months before her death. Walsh was living on the same street where her body was found.

Ms Mbugua had moved to the UK from Kenya around two years earlier to work in the care sector. She was a single parent to four children, who remain in Kenya. Following her death, a public fundraising appeal was launched to help cover funeral costs and provide ongoing support for her children.

Walsh has been remanded in custody and is due to appear in court again when his trial begins later this winter.