30 Jan 2012

No bail for accused baby killer

7:45 pm on 30 January 2012

Police in Waikato have ruled out making any more arrests in their investigation into the killing in 2011 of a six-month-old Ngaruawahia girl.

A 21-year-old man, Matthew Ellery, appeared in Hamilton District Court on Monday afternoon charged with the murder of Serenity Jay Scott-Dinnington.

Mr Ellery, who is the former partner of the girl's mother, wept as the Community Magistrate refused to grant him bail.

The Magistrate listed various reasons for her decision which cannot be reported.

She also ordered the accused undergo a psychological assessment. He has been remanded to appear in court again on 10 February.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greene says the arrest is the culmination of much hard work by the investigation team and co-operation between the Police and Child, Youth and Family.