Tauranga toddler Sadie-Leigh Gardner was 'incredibly loved', mum says at inquest into her death
An inquest is underway in Tauranga, New Zealand, to determine the circumstances surrounding the death of 17-month-old Sadie-Leigh Gardner. A forensic pathologist testified that the toddler died from non-accidental blunt force head injuries.
Why it matters
The case highlights the tragic reality of child abuse and the legal processes involved in seeking justice for victims of domestic violence.
A mother has told an inquest she wants her little girl who died at just 17 months old to be remembered as cheeky, affectionate and "so incredibly loved".
Sadie-Leigh Gardner died in Tauranga on March 29, 2019 after what a pathologist described as non-accidental blunt force head injuries.
Her mother, who had name suppression, started the inquest in Tauranga District Court on Monday by saying she wanted her daughter to be remembered by more than just what happened to her.
"She was cheeky, she was affectionate, she was clingy. She was loved by her people, she loved the water, she had an infectious smile and she was so incredibly loved.
"She was my daughter, my baby and always will be."
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