A pregnant woman in her 30s appeared in court charged with the murder of two-year-old Santina Cawley in Cork in July.
At a special sitting of Cork District Court Detective Garda Cormac Crotty gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution of Karen Harrington.
Det Garda Crotty said that at 7.56am today at a house in Lakeland Crescent in Mahon in Cork city he arrested Ms Harrington.
The 35-year-old is charged with the murder of Santina Cawley at 26 Elderwood Park, Boreenmanna Road in Cork city on July 5.
The court heard Ms Harrington replied to the garda: "I don't understand why I am getting charged. I didn't murder no one."
Paula McCarthy, BL, from Eddie Burke solicitors, who was representing Ms Harrington, asked that her client receive the necessary medical assistance in custody as she is four and a half months pregnant.
Judge Mary Dorgan directed that Ms Harrington be given medical assistance whilst in custody.
Free legal aid was granted in the case after a statement of means was handed in to Judge Dorgan.
An application for bail will be made at the High Court at a later date.
Ms Harrington, who was dressed in a grey fleecy top and a light coloured pants, did not speak during the short hearing.
Santina's parents Bridget O'Donoghue and Michael Cawley were present for the short hearing.
Karen Harrington, with an address at Elderwood Park, Boreenmanna Road, Cork was remanded in custody until her next court appearance on August 26.
