Dungannon: court hears how toddler died from blunt force trauma

Three people appeared in court today (Thursday). charged in connection with the death of a toddler in Co Tyrone.

Tavia Da Costa Was found dead at a house in the Windmill Court area of Dungannon last Sunday.

The court in Strabane heard how the 23-month-old toddler's death was because of a brain injury caused by blunt force trauma.

A post-mortem also showed bruises to her body, Including to her head and face.

The judge heard a pathologist report showed injuries to be non-accidental - such as grip marks on her arm and a scald burn to an ear.

Januaria Sarmento Ximenes (29), of Windmill Court, was charged with murder and cruelty to a child..

His partner, Tavia's mother Suzi Augusta Jacinta da Costa (21), from Windmill Court, has been charged with manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable person and cruelty to a child under 16.

The toddler's aunt Suzanna da Costa (24), also from Windmill Court, has been charged with causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable person and cruelty to a child under 16

The court heard all three defendants are originally from East Timore.

They appeared via video link and deny the charges.

All three were remanded in custody to appear in court again next month.