KEY POINTS:
The people accused of the murder and manslaughter of three-year-old Nia Glassie will face a depositions hearing just before Christmas.
Before Judge James Weir in Rotorua District Court this morning were Michael Curtis, 21, Michael Pearson, 19, Oriwa Kemp, 17, and Nia's mother Lisa Kuka, 34.
Kuka's partner Wiremu Curtis, 18, was not called with the others, nor was his Auckland lawyer present. It is understood another bail application for him will be heard tomorrow.
Wiremu Curtis and his brother Michael are charged with murdering toddler Nia, who died in Auckland's Starship Hospital on August 3.
The other three are accused of her manslaughter.
In the small overcrowded courtroom two at the Rotorua court house today Kuka, who is on bail, was the first to be called.
Stepping from the back of the court, she was wearing a loose fitting bright yellow T-shirt with "Baby Nia 4 Eva" printed on the back.
Kuka stood expressionless in the dock while the others, who are in custody, were brought from the cells.
When Michael Curtis joined her, she ignored him.
Kemp and Pearson stood outside the small dock.
Later, Curtis kept whispering to Kuka, who mostly stared straight ahead and appeared to respond in monosyllables.
One of her supporters in the packed public gallery was heard to whisper: "He's threatening her."
Judge Weir ordered another callover on November 15 for the Crown to complete disclosure of evidence to the defence.
The accused were not expected to appear again until December 17, when a week has been earmarked for the depositions.
Father of the two young Curtis men, William Curtis, 47, faces separate counts of assaulting and injuring the little girl with intent to cause grievous boldily harm over a four-month period in the middle of this year.
He is on bail and will face a depositions hearing on December 5.
- NZPA
