Aunt of toddler Tavia De Costa bailed

Tavia De Costa was two weeks off her second birthday when she was found dead

The aunt of toddler Tavia Michella Ximenes Da Costa has been granted bail, despite police objections.

The child was two weeks off her second birthday when she was found dead in bed on 13 October.

A post-mortem examination found Tavia died from a brain injury caused by blunt force trauma.

Her mother’s partner Januaria Sarmento Ximenes, 29, is charged with her murder.

The mother, Suzi Augusta Jacinta Da Costa, 21, is charged with manslaughter.

She is jointly accused with Tavias's aunt, Suzana Da Costa Ximenes, of causing the death of the child and knowing she died by an unlawful act.

All three, of Windmill Court, Dungannon in County Tyrone are accused of wilful ill-treatment between 1 August to 13 October.

Bail

The court previously heard that Mr Ximenes was not Tavia’s father but began a relationship with Da Costa in June, moving in with her and her sister in August.

All three accused were refused bail.

On Wednesday lawyers for Suzana Da Costa Ximenes mounted a fresh application at Dungannon Magistrates' Court, on the basis she faces less serious charges than the co-accused and an alternative address was available.

The detective remained opposed, citing concerns she may abscond or interfere with witnesses, some of whom are immediate family.

The judge said Ms Ximenes could be released to a residence approved by police and banned from coming to Dungannon.

She will also be electronically tagged, must have no contact with any witnesses, sign three times weekly with police, surrender all travel documents, refrain from using social media and banned from possessing non-prescription drugs.

The judge warned that any breach would see her returned to custody.

The case is due for mention again on 11 December.