A woman persuaded her lover to murder her eight-year-old daughter by impersonating a fictitious spiritual Muslim named Skyman, a court has heard.

Polly Chowdhury, 35, of Broomfield Road, Chadwell Heath, stands accused of murdering daughter Ayesha Ali at their home under the direction of partner Kiki Muddar.

At the start of the trial today (Wednesday), the Old Bailey heard Ms Muddar – who is also accused of her murder – created two fictional characters, Jimmy Chowdhury and Skyman to control her girlfriend.

The 43-year-old used texts and Facebook messages from the imaginary pair to turn Ms Chowdhury against her daughter.

The court heard Ms Chowdhury had fallen in love with the fictitious Jimmy, and believed she could have sex with him “through the medium of Kiki”.

Ayesha died of a head injury at the family’s home on August 29 2013.

She had sustained more than 50 injuries in hours before her death, including bites, carpet burns and bruises.

Ms Chowdhury, wearing a maroon headscarf, buried her head in her hands and covered her ears as the case against her was opened.

Ms Muddar, wearing glasses and with uncovered black hair, stared blankly ahead.

Prosecutor Richard Whittam QC told the court: “To say that their relationship was unconventional is a gross understatement.”

Both women deny murder and alternative charges of manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of a child between March and August 2013.

The trial continues.