Parents accused of horrific abuse face new charges

The west Auckland parents accused of abusing their nine-year-old daughter could face fresh charges. File photo / NZ Herald

The west Auckland parents accused of systematically abusing their daughter could face fresh charges after police re-interviewed the girl.

The mother faces 36 charges including injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and assault with a weapon. The girl's father faces 12 charges including assault with a weapon and neglecting a child.

The pair have name suppression and appeared at the Auckland District Court today.

The 9-year-old girl was found by police hiding in a wardrobe. Her injuries ranged from her scalp being torn away from her head while she was allegedly dragged by her hair along the floor.

Police also allege she was subjected to vicious beatings with various weapons. They also allege that she had her toenail pulled off and salt and boiling water was poured on to the bleeding wound.

Crown prosecutor Susan Gray said the girl had been re-interviewed by police and there are fresh allegations.

The mother's lawyer, Lorraine Smith, said she had received further disclosure from the police in the morning which raised "matters for the defence to explore".

Mrs Smith said the fresh allegations could result in new charges.

The Crown intends to video the evidence of the daughter and other witnesses under the age of 17. They will be cross-examined via closed circuit television.

Mrs Smith said the defence would be calling its own expert witness but would rather not say who that was.

Judge Roy Wade remanded the pair on bail. A trial has been set down in November.