Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Murder rap mum
Accused sobs in dock as she is charged with killing daughter, 4
A MUM wept as she appeared in court charged with the murder of her four-year-old daughter.
Carly Harris, 37, was accused of killing Amelia Brooke Harris, who was found dead in the garden of her home in Trealaw, the Rhondda Valley, South Wales, on Friday.
Wearing a grey tracksuit, Harris confirmed her name and date of birth when she stood in the dock during a two-minute hearing at Merthyr Tydfil magistrates court.
Harris was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Cardiff crown court today.
Neighbours and friends in the small town of Trealaw reacted with shock at the news of Amelia’s death.
Judy Machin said: “Amelia was a delightful little child, everyone who knew her liked her. No one can understand how this could happen. The whole place is in shock.”
Family members earlier paid tribute to Amelia. In a statement, they said: “On Friday night we tragically lost our baby girl Amelia Brooke Harris. A loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, great-granddaughter, niece and cousin.
“Amelia was beautiful both inside and out – and was a fun-loving, caring and bubbly little girl.
“She was taken far too early from us and had her whole life ahead of her. Words cannot convey how we are feeling at this moment in time.
“We know our lives will never be the same again.”
Det Supt Richard Jones said: “Our thoughts go out to the family and friends in what is a traumatic incident. I would like to thank them for speaking with us and assisting our investigation at what is clearly a very difficult time for them.”