A couple standing trial for child cruelty after their son's body was found buried in a Birmingham garden had been living in a converted shipping container in Glastonbury, a court has been told.

Tai Yasharahyalah, 42, and his wife Naiyahmi, 43, are accused of causing or allowing the death of their three-year-old son, Abiyah Yasharahyalah.

His body was discovered in December 2022, years after his death, at their former home in Handsworth, Birmingham.

Coventry Crown Court heard that after moving from Birmingham, the couple lived in temporary accommodation in Glastonbury, residing in a shipping container on land run by the Zig Zag building, an arts and crafts warehouse that offers temporary housing. Concerns about their other child led to the couple being asked to leave the container in October 2022.

Chris Black, owner of the Zig Zag building, told the court the container had electricity and basic lighting but lacked running water, a toilet, or windows. Communal facilities were available, but fellow residents grew worried after the couple's child had not been seen outside for some time.

After rumours circulated in the local Glastonbury community, Denise Newman, a specialist homelessness nurse, attempted to visit the family in November. However, she was denied access to the child. She described both parents as having significant physical limitations, with Mrs Yasharahyalah walking "very slowly" and Mr Yasharahyalah only able to shuffle.

Following their move to a nearby caravan, the couple remained confrontational and refused assistance from authorities. The investigation into their child's welfare eventually led to their arrest in December 2022 when it was discovered that Abiyah had died and been buried in their former garden in Birmingham.

The couple denies all charges, including neglect, causing or allowing the death of a child, and perverting the course of justice. The trial continues.