Mother of six-year-old girl who died of malnutrition is released on bail after being charged with manslaughter and neglect – along with two others
- Crystal Hanley charged with daughter’s murder
- Charlie Nowland turned out to be unresponsive last July
- Hanley criminally neglected other children
The mother of a six-year-old girl who died after being found unconscious in a ‘filthy’ house has been charged with her death and the criminal neglect of other children in her care.
On Wednesday, Crystal Leanne Hanley, 47, appeared before Adelaide Magistrates Court charged with the death of her daughter Charlie Nowland, and four other charges of criminal neglect involving children aged between 8 and 14.
Ms Hanley was previously known to the media as Crystal Nowland before appearing in court with a different surname.
Crystal Leanne Hanley, 47, was charged with her daughter’s death
Charlie was found unconscious in July last year at the family’s home in Munno Para, Adelaide’s northern suburbs.
She was taken to Lyell McEwin Hospital, where she was confirmed dead.
The court heard Ms Hanley was about to be evicted from her government homes in north Adelaide when they arrested her early Wednesday morning.
Prosecutor Steven Whalan said detectives who visited the property reported it was in a sorry state and habitable.
“Police visited that property today and they determined it remains filthy with potential fire hazard, so it is not fit for human habitation,” Mr Whalan said.
Ms Hanley, who appeared in court via video link in a red Adidas hoodie, remained silent as her allegations were discussed.
The six-year-old was found to have underlying health issues after her death. Photo: Russell Millard
Magistrate Ben Sale granted Ms. Hanley supervised bail to her home, despite eviction notices, with conditions.
Outside court, Mrs Hanley ran into heavy traffic in Victoria Square to avoid the media.
She must appear in court again in August.
Ms Hanley’s arrest followed that of two other people charged with the deaths of two children in unrelated incidents.
Detectives arrested 50-year-old Shane Wanganeen on Wednesday and charged him with manslaughter of his seven-year-old son Makai.
Police also arrested 54-year-old Jenni Wilmott and charged her with manslaughter for the 2018 death of 15-year-old Jasmine Wilmott.
Both Mr Wanganeen and Ms Wilmott were due to appear in court on Wednesday afternoon after Ms Hanley but were moved due to administration delays.
