Mother accused of murdering daughter, 3, in court

Hope McGrath was found dead at a house in the Colton area of Leeds

A woman accused of murdering her three-year-old daughter who was found dead at a house in Leeds has appeared at the city's crown court for the first time.

Pippa McGrath, 47, appeared by video link on Tuesday and spoke only to confirm her date of birth.

She is charged with murdering Hope McGrath, who was found inside a bungalow on Austhorpe Court in the Colton area of the city on Wednesday.

Ms McGrath, of Austhorpe Court, will next appear at Leeds Crown Court on 4 September.

The court also heard a post-mortem examination of Hope will take place on 6 August.

Judge Guy Kearl KC, the Recorder of Leeds, said forensic psychology reports would also be prepared to assess if Ms McGrath was fit to plead.

She was remanded in custody until her next appearance.

West Yorkshire Police said officers found Hope's body after they were called to the cul-de-sac following a report of a concern for safety.

Det Ch Insp Stacey Atkinson, from the force, said: "We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hope's death.

"I would ask that people respect their privacy at this extremely difficult time."

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