Mother denies murdering toddler found in pond

A woman has pleaded not guilty to murdering her two-year-old daughter who was found in a village pond in Hampshire.

Alice Mackey, 42, is accused of killing Annabel Mackey, who was reported missing from her home in Forge Road, Kingsley, near Bordon, on 10 September 2023.

The girl was found a short time later in Kingsley Pond and was pronounced dead in hospital the following day.

The mother, who is charged with murdering the toddler at an address in Forge Road, was remanded in custody at Winchester Crown Court.

Judge Angela Morris told Mackey: "We have a trial date for you and that is going to be 6 October.

"There is going to be another hearing at this court and that is going to happen on 28 July and I have asked for you to be brought back to court for that date.

"You remain in custody in the meantime."

In a previous statement, Annabel's father paid tribute to his daughter's "incredibly pure and caring nature".

He said: "The world needs more people like Annabel to spread positivity and kindness."

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