Knifeman stabbed mother as she with husband and baby, court hears

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy OLIVIA CHRISTIE, NEWS REPORTER Published: 17:27 BST, 16 July 2026 | Updated: 17:27 BST, 16 July 2026

A stranger stabbed a young mother to death as she slept in bed with her husband and three-month-old baby after breaking into the family's home, a court has heard. Kirandeep Kaur, 24, was allegedly attacked by Daniel Sean James, 46, at the property in Hayes, west London, on the morning of July 12.He then allegedly jumped out of a window and broke both ankles before being detained by police nearby, the Old Bailey was told.Before the random attack, James allegedly walked through a playing field in Hayes dressed all in black and carrying a large knife.He was caught on CCTV and doorbell cameras approaching three different addresses before coming up behind a man in his 20s in the street and stabbing him in the back, it is claimed.Minutes later, at around 7.51am, he allegedly kicked at the door of the home Mrs Kaur shared with her husband and baby, and broke in while they were asleep in bed.The husband awoke to the sound of a scream from his wife and saw a figure leaving the bedroom, prosecutor Charlene Sumnall said. Kirandeep Kaur, 24, (pictured) was allegedly attacked by Daniel Sean James, 46, at the property in Hayes, west London , on the morning of July 12 Forensic officers are seen at the scene of the alleged double stabbing on July 12Two minutes later, James exited the property on Uxbridge Road by jumping out of a window from the kitchen-living room area, the court heard.Having broken both ankles, he allegedly tried to flee but collapsed after ten metres.From the first alleged sighting of the defendant to the arrival of police at the scene took around 24 minutes, the court was told.Mrs Kaur suffered a stab wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 8.26am. The man in his 20s was taken to hospital with non life-threatening stab injuries.The Old Bailey was told that both victims were complete strangers to the defendant, who was treated in hospital before being taken into custody.He was subsequently charged with the murder of Mrs Kaur, attempted murder and having a blade.On Thursday, James, from west London, appeared at the Old Bailey by videolink from Wormwood Scrubs.Judge Nigel Lickley KC set a plea hearing for October 1 and a provisional three-week trial from April 5 next year.James spoke only to confirm his identity and was remanded into custody.