Mother charged over 6yo girl’s death
The mother of a six-year-old girl who died after being found unresponsive in a “squalid” home has been charged with her death and the criminal neglect of other children in her care.
On Wednesday, Crystal Leanne Hanley, 47, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court charged with the death of her daughter Charlie Nowland, and four other charges of criminal neglect relating to children aged between 8-14.
Ms Hanley had previously been known to the media as Crystal Nowland before appearing in court with a different surname.
Charlie was found unresponsive in the family’s home in Munno Para, in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, in July last year.
She was taken to Lyell McEwin Hospital where she was confirmed dead.
The court heard Ms Hanley was in the process of being evicted from her government housing in Adelaide’s north when they arrested her in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Prosecutor Steven Whalan said detectives who attended the property reported it was in a squalid condition and was inhabitable.
“Police have attended at that residence today and they found that it remains squalid with potential fire hazard conditions, so it’s not suitable for human habitation,” Mr Whalan said.
Ms Hanley, who appeared in court via video link in a red Adidas hoodie, was silent as her allegations were discussed.
Magistrate Ben Sale granted Ms Hanley supervised bail to her home despite the eviction notices, with conditions.
Outside court, Ms Hanley ran across busy traffic in Victoria Square to avoid media.
She will appear in court again in August.
Ms Hanley’s arrest was subsequent to that of two other people, charged with the deaths of two children in unrelated incidents.
On Wednesday, detectives arrested 50-year-old Shane Wanganeen and charged him with the manslaughter of his seven-year-old son Makai.
Police also arrested 54-year-old Jenni Wilmott and charged her with manslaughter over the 2018 death of 15-year-old Jasmine Wilmott.
Both Mr Wanganeen and Ms Wilmott were due to face court after Ms Hanley on Wednesday afternoon, but were rescheduled due to admin delays.
