Arrest Made After Child Found in Suitcase
Authorities have charged a 27-year-old Northland woman with child neglect following the discovery of a two-year-old girl alive inside a suitcase stored in the luggage hold of a New Zealand intercity bus.
It is reported that the woman appeared in North Shore District Court on Tuesday, August 5, where her request for bail was declined.
Still in Custody, Referred to a Mental Health Unit
The court referred her to a mental health unit while she remains in custody. She did not enter a plea and is expected to return to court the following week.
Facing Charges Related to Ill Treatment or Child Neglect
The charge she faces relates to alleged ill-treatment or neglect of a child, which carries a maximum penalty of ten years’ imprisonment.
The Incident: Toddler Found During Bus Stop
The incident occurred on Sunday, August 3, during a trip on an InterCity bus from Whangārei to Auckland, New Zealand.
According to police, the bus made a scheduled stop in Kaiwaka shortly before 1 pm, when a passenger requested access to the luggage compartment.
Driver Became Suspicious of a Moving Bag
The driver became concerned after noticing one of the bags was moving.
Upon opening the suitcase, a two-year-old girl was found inside. The driver immediately alerted authorities.
Police said the child was “very hot, but physically unharmed” and was transported to a hospital, where she remains for medical assessment.
Police Allege Serious Health Risks to Child
Police allege the woman intentionally placed the child in the suitcase, which exposed her to potential harm, including suffocation, carbon monoxide poisoning, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and psychological trauma.
As stated in the charge sheet, her actions represented “a major departure from the standard of care to be expected of a reasonable person,” according to 1News.
Child in Care; Investigation Continues
The child’s care is now being coordinated with whānau and partner agencies, including Oranga Tamariki (Ministry for Children).
Police say they are continuing their inquiries and that further charges have not been ruled out.
The InterCity bus company confirmed to New Zealand media that the incident involved one of its services.
According to CNN, children under three years of age can travel for free when seated on an adult’s lap.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Dismembered Woman’s Body Found in Suitcase on Chennai Road, Neighbor Detained
Man Finds Abandoned Baby in Box Outside His House With a Message
Male Student Caught by Security Trying to Sneak His Girlfriend into the Boys’ Hostel Using a Luggage
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