A man charged with the sexual assault and murder of a three-month-old girl will reappear in court in next February.
Emergency services were called to a unit at Fowler Street, Hamilton South on August 4 after the infant was found unresponsive.
She was taken to John Hunter Hospital where she was declared deceased.
Police established Strike Force Giffen to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.
The man, who can not be identified for legal reasons, was arrested at a property in Maitland on Wednesday.
He was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with murder and sexual intercourse with child under age of 10 years.
It is understood he is not related to the child.
Bail was not applied for when the matter was mentioned in Maitland Local Court on Thursday.
Magistrate John Chicken agreed to a request from the man's lawyer that he undergo a risk assessment while in custody.
The matter will be mentioned in Newcastle Court on February 10.
