A 27-year-old Northland woman charged with ill-treatment/neglect of a child after a two-year-old was found alive in a suitcase in a bus luggage compartment has appeared in court.
Yesterday, police were called after a passenger asked for access to the luggage compartment during a planned stop in Kaiwaka shortly before 1pm on a trip from Whangārei to Auckland.
The driver became concerned when he noticed the bag moving – and when the driver opened the suitcase, they discovered the two-year-old girl.
At the North Shore District Court today, the name of the woman was suppressed. She made no plea and was remanded in custody.
She is set to reappear in court tomorrow after a forensic psychiatric assessment.
Police have alleged the woman intentionally placed the child in the suitcase, which was likely to cause adverse effects such as suffocation, dehydration, carbon monoxide poisoning, heat exhaustion, and psychological trauma.
The maximum penalty of the charge is 10 years’ imprisonment.
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including toddler found in suitcase on bus, Russian volcano erupts, and Liam Lawson pips former world champion. (Source: 1News)
Earlier, Waitematā acting field crime manager Detective Inspector Simon Harrison said when discovered, the little girl was reported to be very hot, but otherwise appeared physically unharmed.
“She was transported to hospital, where she remains, undergoing an extensive medical assessment,” he said.
“We would like to acknowledge and commend the bus driver, who noticed something wasn’t right and took immediate action, preventing what could have been a far worse outcome.”
In an update this afternoon, Harrison said the child “is medically well” and police are working with whānau and partner agencies to ensure she is cared for.
“We appreciate there is high public interest with what has happened,” he said.
“However given the circumstances concerning the child, and the matter being before the court, we are unable to provide further comment.
“Our focus is on ensuring the child is well-supported and we are working with Oranga Tamariki in relation to this matter.”
Police said inquiries into the incident were ongoing and further charges had not been ruled out.
