A couple who have been charged with the alleged neglect of their young daughter, found to be severely malnourished and underdeveloped, sat in court holding hands this morning.
The 20-month-old girl's condition was only discovered when she was admitted to Sydney Children's Hospital after suffering a seizure on March 10.
She was malnourished, suffering rickets, and her height and weight were markedly below what is expected of a child her age.
Police will allege in court the girl's parents fed the child a strict diet which was severely deficient in nutrients for her to thrive.
A 31-year-old woman and 33-year-old man were arrested last Friday at a home in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
The couple were charged with failing to provide for a child, causing damage or serious injury and reckless grievous bodily harm.
They are both pleading not guilty and appeared in Waverley Local Court today.
The Director of Public Prosecutions is still finalising the brief of evidence against the pair.
They remain on bail and will face court again next month.
