Man charged over baby death

Serenity Jay Scott-Dinnington. Photo / Supplied

A man will appear in court tomorrow charged with the murder of baby Serenity Jay Scott-Dinnington, who died in Ngaruawahia last April.

The 6-month-old was found unresponsive at the house where she lived with her mother Chelsea Scott, Ms Scott's partner Matthew Ellery and her brother Drew.

Serenity was taken to Starship Hospital's paediatric intensive care unit last April with severe brain injuries that police said were non-accidental and her life support was turned off two days later.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greene of Waikato CIB said a 21-year-old man was arrested today and would appear in Hamilton District Court tomorrow on a charge of murder.

It is understood the arrested man is Matthew Ellery.

"Today's arrest is also testament to the local Ngaruawahia community who very early on in the piece made it very clear they were not going to tolerate violence towards children and young folk on their back door step, and rallied behind police,'' Mr Greene said.

Ms Scott has since given birth to another daughter but spent only 48 hours with her before the child was placed in care.