A 66-year-old woman has been brought before the court, facing accusations of murdering a child by subjecting her to scalding water in a hot bath nearly five decades ago.
Janice Nix is charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of five-year-old Andrea Bernard, who was hospitalized after suffering burns in Thornton Heath, located in south London, in June 1978.
Following the incident, she was moved to a specialized burns unit in East Grinstead, West Sussex, but tragically succumbed to her injuries in July of that same year, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Ms. Nix, a resident of Clapham in south-west London, appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that on June 6, 1978, Andrea was forced into an excessively hot bath that resulted in burns covering 50% of her body.
Additionally, Ms. Nix faces charges of cruelty towards Andrea’s brother, Desmond Bernard, during the period from October 1, 1975, to June 6, 1978, when he was between five and eight years old.
At the time of the alleged offenses, the defendant was between 16 and 19 years of age.
During the brief court appearance, Ms. Nix only responded to confirm her name, age, and address.
A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police stated that an investigation into Andrea’s death commenced in September 2022 after the incident was reported by Mr. Bernard.
Ms. Nix was granted bail under certain conditions, which include surrendering her passports and refraining from traveling to any international transportation hubs.
She is scheduled to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on March 19.
