Kelly Paula Gush was kicked twice in the head by her stepfather after she vomited, the Hamilton District Court was told yesterday.
Her mother, Karen Paget, was giving evidence at a depositions hearing for Darran Paul Mackness, 35, her former partner, who is charged with murdering the 12-year-old between August 3 and 4 last year.
Kelly suffered a brain haemorrhage and died in the Starship hospital, Auckland, on August 4.
Ms Paget told community magistrate Mary Symmans that Kelly and her sister, Kylie, 14, spent most of their time in their bedroom at home.
The room was locked from the outside and Mackness had nailed the windows shut, she said.
When the girls needed to use the bathroom they knocked on the door, or at night they were left a bucket, Ms Paget told the court.
Mackness believed the girls could not be trusted.
On August 3 last year, Kelly and her sister had been let out of their room for dinner.
They sat on the floor and ate macaroni cheese but after a couple of mouthfuls Kelly vomited.
Ms Paget gave her a bucket and mop to clean it up and Mackness pushed Kelly into the bathroom.
Ms Paget told crown prosecutor Philip Crayton that after she had cleaned her up, Mackness kicked Kelly twice in the head. He then carried her to her room.
Ms Paget heard a large thump, but by the time she got to Kelly's room the door was locked.
About 11.30pm she heard more thumping coming from Kelly's room. She went in to find her daughter on her stomach covered in vomit.
"She was sort of kicking ... Her legs were moving, and her arms."
Kelly was taken to Waikato Hospital and later transferred to the Starship.
Mr Crayton said Mackness admitted to police that he had kicked Kelly.
The case is proceeding.
- NZPA
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