By RNZ.co.nz and is republished with permission.
A trial date has been set for the South African mother of three charged with killing her daughters.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Lauren Dickason, 40, who is a medical practitioner, was excused from appearing in the High Court in Christchurch via video link for her second hearing.
She is accused of murdering twins Maya and Karla, 2, and their older sister Liane, 6.
The three were found dead at their home soon after the family arrived in Timaru from South Africa for a new life.
Today a trial date of March 2022 was set by Justice Dunningham, however, a plea has yet to be entered.
The accused was remanded back to Hillmorton Hospital for a further psychiatric assessment.
Her next hearing is set down for 15 October.
Last week Graham Dickason, the father of the three children thanked all of those donating money to the family on a Givealittle page.
The fundraising was started by other South Africans in Aoteaoa to help pay for funeral expenses, and accommodate relatives who have travelled to be with Graham Dickason.
It has so far raised $31,755.
He said the messages left along with the donations had been heartfelt and comforting.
