AlgoaFM News
A couple accused of murdering 19-month-old Krisley Dirker, who died under mysterious circumstances, made their second appearance in the Gqeberha High Court on Wednesday.
Robin and Kristen Clarke also face an additional two counts of abuse or the deliberate neglect of a child, and a charge of failure to provide a child with medical assistance.
The State alleges that between the 27th of September and the 10th of October in 2013, the Clarkes acted in common purpose to intentionally abuse and neglect the 19-month-old toddler by assaulting her with a blunt force or other methods unknown to the State.
Kristen, who is the biological mother of the late Krisley, moved in with Robin Clarke shortly after her relationship with the toddler's father ended.
The two got married two years after Krisley's death.
The State says that Kristen had left the toddler in the care of Robin over the two-week period in 2013, while she was at work.
It further alleges that while the toddler was in the care of Robin, she was assaulted with a blunt force which led to her death on the 17th of October 2013.
Little Krisley also suffered severe injuries over her arms, legs, hands, feet and head due to the alleged continued abuse.
It was this continued abuse that led to her falling into a coma and her subsequent death in hospital due to the injuries.
Robin is currently out on R10 000 bail and Kristen R2 000.
The couple is expected back in court on the 28th of February.
