Cheers as murder accused led to cells

Clapping and cheering drowned out proceedings when a 30-year-old woman charged with the murder of a 10-month-old child was remanded in custody today.

Tiana Mary-Anne Odessa Kapea was remanded until April when she appeared in Manukau District Court charged with murdering Jyniah Te Awa in September last year.

Kapea was on bail after an earlier appearance in December.

As she was led from the dock loud cheering and applause broke out from the dead girl's family members and supporters.

All those who clapped and cheered were ordered out of the court.

When Kapea appeared in December there were heated scenes outside the court building as two family members of the dead infant were knocked over by a car taking the accused woman away from court.

The woman had name suppression until today when it was lifted.

The court also heard a psychiatric report was being prepared.

Jyniah died in Starship Children's Hospital on September 26, three days after arriving by ambulance. Police said her death was non-accidental.

- NZPA