A mother has denied murdering her two-year-old daughter, who died after being found in a pond near her home.
Alice Mackey, 42, of Oakhanger in Hampshire, is accused of killing Annabel Mackey, who went missing from her home in the neighbouring village of Bordon on September 10, 2023.
The youngster was found a short time later at Kingsley Pond and was taken to hospital in a serious condition but died the following afternoon.
A charge sheet says Mackey is accused of murdering Annabel at an address in Forge Road on September 11 2023.
Mackey was remanded in custody until the trial, which was listed to start on October 6 with a further hearing on July 28.
Annabel Mackey is pictured with her parents Alice and Peter Mackey before her tragic death
Mackey is accused of killing toddler Annabel in September 2023. She is pictured in court for an earlier hearing
Annabel was reported missing from her home in the Hampshire village of Kingsley and was discovered lying in a pond half a mile away from her £600,000 family home
At Winchester Crown Court, Judge Angela Morris told Mackey: ‘We have a trial date for you and that is going to be October 6.
‘There is going to be another hearing at this court and that is going to happen on July 28 and I have asked for you to be brought back to court for that date.
‘You remain in custody in the meantime.’
In a statement released through police, Annabel’s father said: ‘Annabel was a beautiful, positive and very happy little girl.
‘She had an incredibly pure and caring nature that we miss so much. She loved story time, dogs and her dolly.
‘She enjoyed singing songs and nursery rhymes and had a very sweet tooth.
The toddler was found in Kingsley Pond (pictured) and was taken to hospital, where she later died
Police divers from Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit searched the pond where the girl was found on Kingsley Common
‘Annabel loved to laugh, she brought so much happiness into our lives. She was dearly loved by her family and friends.
‘Thank you to everyone who was a positive influence in her life. Please continue Annabel’s legacy by remembering her and caring for others as much as she did.
‘The world needs more people like Annabel to spread positivity and kindness.
‘Annabel, I love you so much, you are a shining star and you will be loved forever.’
