Abuse case accused committed to trial

File photo / Bay of Plenty Times

A woman accused of seriously abusing her nine-year-old daughter has been committed to trial, though her lawyers are trying to find ways to resolve the 33 charges against her.

The 31-year-old woman, whose name is suppressed to protect the child's identity, was committed to trial in the High Court at Auckland when she appeared in Waitakere District Court today.

However, a judge said she could still be given full credit if she makes a guilty plea quickly.

The woman's lawyer, Joanne Wickliffe, asked for a further extension to avoid committal as negotiations towards resolving the matter and avoiding a trial were continuing with the Crown.

Judge Lisa Tremewan refused, saying there had already been an extension and it was time to progress the matter further.

"I understand however that it is a complex matter in terms of the number of charges and the length of time since various matters are alleged to have taken place," she said.

She said that if there was to be a resolution, the accused may still get maximum credit for a plea.

The accused woman was remanded in custody and will reappear in the High Court in Auckland on May 11.

The charges 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, writing abusive comments on her body, immersing her in a hot bath in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering, denying her medical treatment and withholding food.

The woman is also accused of assaulting her seven-year-old son with an unknown object, and dragging him around by his neck.

The girl was found hiding in a cupboard, starving, dehydrated and covered in countless injuries.

The child's 32-year-old father, who also has name suppression, has already denied three charges of assaulting the girl, two of which allege the use of a weapon, namely a vacuum cleaner pipe and a broomstick.

He is due to appear in Auckland District Court later this month.

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

- NZPA