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A woman accused of putting a toddler in a suitcase in the luggage compartment of a bus is now on electronically monitored bail but her name will remain secret.
The woman was charged with neglect after the toddler was found in a suitcase in the luggage compartment on abus travelling from Whangārei to Auckland in August.
When the woman reappeared in court today, Judge Nicola Mathers granted her permanent name suppression and remanded the woman on bail until her next hearing on December 2.
The child has automatic name suppression.
The woman was remanded on electronically-monitored bail until her crown case review hearing.
The 27-year-old’s mental fitness and ability to stand trial were raised when she appeared in the Criminal Procedure (Mentally Impaired Persons) Court (CPMIP) in August, which convenes every fortnight at Auckland District Court.
The court assesses the mental health of defendants and determines their fitness to stand trial.
“The CPMIP protects the mentally ill from the harsh realities of ordinary criminal courts, providing a safer environment attuned to their needs,” the District Courts website said.
“The court handles cases involving defendants with severe mental health issues, such as delusions and hallucinations, ensuring they receive appropriate care and support.”
Judge Pippa Sinclair at the time granted media permission to report that the woman’s fitness to stand trial had been raised.
The woman charged with neglect after a toddler was found in a suitcase on a bus travelling from Northland to Auckland has appeared in court.
The woman’s lawyer, Kate Goodman-Creed, also applied for permanent name suppression for her client.
The woman was earlier remanded in custody.
North Shore District Court Judge Anna Fitzgibbon earlier denied the woman bail.
No occupation was listed on the woman’s charge sheet at the earlier hearing.
Police earlier said officers were called about 12.50pm on Sunday, August 3, after a passenger asked to access the luggage department during a planned stop in Kaiwaka, a small town in Northland.
“The driver became concerned when he noticed the bag moving,” said Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, acting field crime manager for Waitematā.
“When the driver opened the suitcase, they discovered the 2-year-old little girl.”
The girl was reported to be very hot but otherwise appeared unharmed.
She was taken to hospital for a thorough medical assessment.
