Trial set for mum charged with murdering toddler

Annabel Mackey was a "beautiful, positive and very happy little girl", her father said

A trial date has been set for a 42-year-old woman charged with the murder of her two-year-old daughter, who died after being found in a pond.

Alice Mackey, of Oakhanger, Hampshire, spoke only to confirm her name during a preliminary hearing at Winchester Crown Court.

Annabel Mackey went missing from her home on 10 September 2023 before being found a short time later at Kingsley Pond. She was taken to hospital in a serious condition but died the following afternoon.

A trial date was set for 2 October.

Ms Mackey, whose parents sat in the public gallery, was remanded in custody until a plea and trial preparation hearing.

In a statement released through police, Annabel's father said: "Annabel was a beautiful, positive and very happy little girl.

"She had an incredibly pure and caring nature that we miss so much. She loved story time, dogs and her dolly.

"She enjoyed singing songs and nursery rhymes and had a very sweet tooth."