THREE YEARS: EVERY MOMENT THAT LED TO LINA DALEY’S SENTENCE

September 24, 2018: The news of a baby boy going into cardiac arrest early on a Monday morning shocked the Far Northern community.

September 27, 2018: Daley walked officers through the home. At this point, the cause of Maka’s death remained unclear.

September 28, 2018: Daley (above) appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court on prior drug charges.

December 8, 2018: Police revealed Daley was facing a probe into homicide and child neglect over the death of her baby. Child Safety documents showed “Daley may have been under the influence of substances whilst caring for Makavelii.’’

December 17, 2018: Mourners gathered for a funeral to say their last goodbyes to the toddler.

December 26, 2018: Daley was arrested for joy-riding in a stolen car and appeared at the Cairns Magistrates Court on December 28.

November 1, 2019: Detectives charged Daley, with manslaughter, torture, and drug trafficking.

November 27, 2019: After completing an eight-week course in jail about family relationships Daley makes, then abandons a bail application. December 14, 2020: Daley appears for a committal hearing where witnesses shared evidence.

March 18, 2021

Daley’s case was mentioned in Cairns Supreme Court for the first time where it was revealed she would fight charges of manslaughter and child cruelty but plead guilty to drug trafficking.

August 10, 2021

On the eve of what would have been a trial, Daley pleaded guilty to manslaughter and to one count of trafficking methylamphetamine and cannabis. Her charges for torture and indecent treatment were dropped.