Woman charged with bashing toddler at Deer Park

Royal Children's Hospital

A toddler has been airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital after being severely bashed. Picture: Ian Currie
Source: Herald Sun





A HEAVILY pregnant woman charged with intentionally causing serious injury to a two-year-old female toddler has been remanded in custody by a magistrate.


The two-year-old girl was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries yesterday.

A tearful Melissa Ngati, whom Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard was now 35-weeks pregnant, had asked not to be brought before the court because of her highly emotional state.

Ms Ngati, 25, was arrested overnight and is accused of the serious assault on the toddler at Deer Park on Sunday, November 27, charge sheets tendered to the court state.

Defence lawyer Amanda Burnnard said Ms Ngati had asked to remain in custody and not to be brought to court because of her state but Magistrate Donna Bakos ordered she appear after heaing there was no physical reason she could not attend in person for the brief hearing.

Ms Burnnard said her client was “very emotional and distressed”, was 35 weeks pregnant and it was her first time in custody.

The court heard Ms Ngati – wiping away tears and dressed in a t-shirt while being flanked by two guards – was suffering gestational diabetes which required testing four times a day.

Magistrate Bakos ordered she receive appropriate care and be seen by a psychiatric nurse.

Ms Ngati, who did not apply for bail, was remanded in custody until February 23.

The toddler was taken to Sunshine Hospital yesterday afternoon before being airlifted to the Royal Children’s Hospital.

– with Michelle Ainsworth

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