THE MOTHER of a toddler who died vigorously denies neglecting her child in the months before she was killed, a court heard yesterday.
Rachael Martin (25), Erne Park, Kesh, Co Fermanagh, appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court yesterday accused of the wilful neglect of her daughter Millie in the period leading up to her death last December.
Ms Martin’s former partner, Barry Michael McCarney (30), has previously been charged with the 15-month old’s murder.
Millie suffered serious internal injuries and police believe she may have been sexually assaulted.
Under questioning from Ms Martin’s lawyer, an investigating officer told Judge Bonita Boyd that the child’s mother was not suspected of inflicting any of the injuries.
The detective said he could connect the accused with the neglect charge but confirmed that she had vigorously denied it during two days of police interview.
He also acknowledged that Ms Martin had co-operated with police at all times since the death of her daughter.
Ms Martin spoke only to confirm that she understood the charge during the brief hearing.
Judge Boyd granted her bail with a £750 assurity, ordering Ms Martin to appear again next month. In the interim she is subject to strict bail conditions.
Mr McCarney was charged with Millie’s murder in the days after she died, a charge he denies. – (PA)