Father to be tried for murdering daughter

A man charged with murdering his baby daughter in Nelson has been committed for trial.

After a three-day depositions hearing in Nelson District Court Justices of the Peace Anne Batten and Barry Brown today told Kevin Joseph Charles Little, 27, of Kaitangata, South Otago, that there was sufficient evidence to put him on trial.

Little is charged with murdering his seven-month-old daughter, Alyssa Patricia Little-Murphy, on March 25 at Nelson. He has pleaded not guilty.

The court heard that Alyssa drowned. She was found floating in bathwater after Little took a bath with her.

In an interview with police Little said he got out of the bath with Alyssa on his hip and slipped, knocking himself unconscious and dropping her back in the bath.

Little was committed to the High Court at Nelson for trial and remanded on bail until November 8 for trial callover.

- NZPA