Woman charged over death of disabled teen

The woman charged will reappear later this month in the High Court in Palmerston North. Photo / file

A woman has been charged with manslaughter over the death of a disabled Palmerston North teenager who drowned in a bath at a respite facility.

Nathan Booker died at Palmerston North Hospital after the 15-year-old boy was discovered at the Idea Services facility on January 10, last year.

A 27-year-old Palmerston North woman appeared in the Palmerston North District Court this afternoon, Central District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Marc Hercock said.

The woman, who was granted interim name suppression, was spoken to by police this morning and charged, he said.

She will reappear later this month in the High Court in Palmerston North.

The investigation into Nathan's death had stalled, but police reopened it, Mr Hercock said.

"It's not unusual for investigations to be reopened or reviewed, either after receiving additional information or further advice and that's covered by the Solicitor General's guidelines.

"In this case we have and on review the decision has been made to proceed with charges."

Police had been in close contact with Nathan's family during the investigation, he said.

"We're pleased that we can put this matter to court and give some closure to Nathan's family."

At the time of his death a Ministry of Health spokeswoman said Nathan was in the care of Idea Services, an IHC subsidiary.