Trial date set in serious abuse case

A trial date has been set in May next year for two parents accused of seriously abusing their nine-year-old daughter. File photo / NZ Herald

A trial date next year has been set for two parents accused of seriously abusing their nine-year-old daughter, but their lawyers are still hopeful the case can be resolved before then.

The 31-year-old mother and 32-year-old father, whose names are suppressed to protect the child's identity, were back in Auckland District Court today facing more than 30 abuse charges between them.

They were charged after the girl was found in November last year hiding in a cupboard, and reportedly starving, dehydrated and covered in countless injuries.

The woman's lawyer Lorraine Smith said she had sent a memorandum to prosecutors proposing a resolution to the charges.

She said there was an indication a reply could be received later today.

Judge Anne Kiernan remanded both accused on bail and they will reappear for another callover in late August.

She also set a three-week trial date in May next year.

The charges against the woman include assault on the girl with a machete and hammer, kicking her in the vaginal area while wearing work boots, tearing her toenail off and pouring salt on the bleeding toe, and writing abusive comments on the girl's body.

The father faces three charges of assaulting the girl, two of which allege the use of a weapon, namely a vacuum cleaner pipe and a broomstick.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett ordered an investigation into Child, Youth and Family and other agencies' interactions with the family and the child.

- NZPA