Tragic toddler's child protection case was closed weeks before her death
A toddler's child protection case was closed only weeks before her mother's boyfriend allegedly bashed her to death, a Victorian court has heard.
Toddler Nikki Francis Coslovich was allegedly murdered by John Torney on the 25th of August last year.
But most of the second day of his trial focused on the child's mother, Peta-Ann Francis.
A triple-0 call was also played to the Supreme Court in which Ms Francis sounded calm while telling the operator her daughter had disappeared.
The mother of four could not quickly recall in the call the last time she had seen Nikki.
The court previously heard Torney admitted to police that he had disposed of the girl's body, but claimed her mother was responsible for murder.
The jury also heard that the toddler's home was so unhygienic it posed a risk to her safety due to the overflowing bins, spills and cat faeces on the floor.
Evidence was given by Victorian Child Protection worker Teresa Cavallo about her department's involvement in the lead up to the two-year-old's death.
"They had assessed Nikki as at risk while in the care of her mother," the protection worker told the court.
"It could potentially lead to the child being at significant risk of harm."
But the toddler's case was closed six weeks before she was killed.
One of her childcare workers wiped away tears after seeing a photo of the little girl who she described as sweet and friendly.
Senior Constable Danielle Albanese met Ms Francis outside her home on that fateful afternoon.
She told the jury the mother appeared to be in good spirits and was smiling when she first arrived.
Nicki-Lee Caton, who lived next door to the family, said Ms Francis did not seem concerned about her daughter on the afternoon she disappeared.
Family friend Victoria Kearns told the Supreme Court: "Peta-Ann had crazy eyes... and appeared drug affected."
Evidence given by Nikki's sisters will be played to the court Friday before their mother takes the stand on Monday.
The trial continues.
