Kay Skelton and her father, Dick Headley, outside the Hamilton District Court yesterday. Photos / Sarah Ivey
Grandfather Dick Headley yesterday stood beside his daughter, Kay Skelton, for what was apparently the first time since the kidnapping of her 6-year-old son, Jayden Headley, last August.
The pair were in the dock of Hamilton District Court as they waited for a new date to be set
for their next court appearance on joint kidnapping charges.
Eye contact was non-existent and the pair did not communicate with each other in any way during the court appearance despite having been apart nearly six months.
However, at different times prior to the appearance, they smiled and joked with a relative, Donna Payne, who was at court supporting them.
Ms Payne is the sister of Headley's wife, Wendy.
In court, crown prosecutor Philip Crayton said five weeks was needed for evidence to be compiled and disclosure to be made.
"By then, there will be enough there to identify the time needed for a preliminary hearing," he said.
Judge Denise Clark remanded the pair on their existing bail conditions until their next appearance date of March 21, when another pre-depositions date will be set.
Before the appearance, Skelton told the Herald she had not seen or spoken to her son since August and she missed him.
She declined to say whether she thought her father's actions had been regrettable. Headley declined to make any comment.
Jayden's paternal grandfather, Clive Jones, was also in court to watch the proceedings.
He said the little boy was happy and enjoying his first days back at school.
Two more people have been arrested for the kidnapping since Headley, accompanied by Jayden, turned himself in to Hamilton police in a dramatic move last month.
The police have not ruled out prosecuting more people.
