A WOMAN accused of neglecting her children, who were under her care, will return to the Honiara Magistrate Court on November 12.
The matter was adjourned to allow the prosecution and defence to discuss the possibility of the defendant changing her earlier not guilty plea.
She faces one count of Cruelty to Children.
The complainant is the woman’s own six-year-old son with disabilities.
The complaint was lodged through the defendant’s brother-in-law on behalf of the child.
Public Prosecutor Jeremy Oiofa on Wednesday told the court that after reassessing the case, he found that the defendant had made voluntary admissions in her record of interview with police.
He therefore sought time to speak with the defence about reconsidering the plea.
The court will be updated on November 12.
The prosecution alleged the defendant and her husband have six children aged between 6 and 13.
The six-year-old is physically disabled and unable to walk, crawl, or stand.
It was alleged the defendant often went out drinking and would stay away from home for two to three days, leaving her children unattended to.
At one point before Easter, the defendant and her husband argued after both returned home late.
The husband later left to stay with his brother, but continued to support his family with money and groceries.
The family initially lived with the defendant’s sister and brother-in-law, but due to her behavior, they were unhappy. The defendant then moved out to another house located behind her sister and brother-in-law’s home.
Whenever the defendant went out, her two eldest children were left to care of their younger siblings, including the child with special needs.
On 2 July, the husband reportedly took all the children to live with him.
James Tetea of Public Solicitor’s Office represents the defendant.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
