Burnt boy's mother to defend charges

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A woman accused of fully immersing her toddler's hands in boiling water will defend the charges, her lawyer says.

The 31-year-old woman, who has name suppression, stood silently in the dock supported by her interpreter at Porirua District Court today.

She has been charged with cruelty and ill-treatment of a child and wounding with reckless disregard causing grievous bodily harm to her two-year-old son. Lawyer Greg Gimblett said she would defend the charges. 

Officers found out about the toddler while investigating a car crash near his home in Cannons Creek in Porirua in August - at least eight months after they believe he suffered the injuries, Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Holden has said previously. The toddler had never been treated by a doctor.

The boy faced extensive surgery to repair the damage to his hands.

He and his 3-month-old sibling were taken into Child, Youth and Family.

The woman was remanded on bail to appear later this month.

- © Fairfax NZ News