Boy 'always knocking himself' says murder-accused

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A woman on trial for murdering a three-year-old boy in her care told police she did not know how the toddler came by his injuries, a court was told today.

Patricia Angela Pickering, 38, has pleaded not guilty in the High Court at Auckland to murdering Dylan Hohepa Tonga Rimoni, two charges of causing him grievous bodily harm, and one of assault.

Pickering was the caregiver of Dylan who died of brain injuries in Auckland's Starship Hospital on April 18, 2008.

A police interview with Pickering on April 19, 2008, was played to the jury today.

During the interview, Detective Constable Joanne Martin asked Pickering about injuries Dylan had on his body, including a fractured rib, which was believed to be three to four weeks old.

Pickering said she knew nothing about it and Dylan never showed any pain.

When told that Dylan also had a fractured leg and a fractured toe, as well as a scar on his left buttock and bruising on his face, Pickering responded that he was quite clumsy.

"He's always knocking himself, falling over and jumping off things. That's all I can say about how this could have happened," Pickering said.

Pickering said she had not laid a hand on Dylan, adding that her partner Douglas Hoeta and her brother Adam Pickering had not either.

(Proceeding).

- NZPA