Jenni Wilmott faces court charged with neglect following 14yo girl’s suicide who was in her care

A southern suburbs woman has faced court charged with neglect following the death of a 14-year-old girl who was in her care.

Jenni Wilmott leaving the Christies Beach Magistrates Court. Ms Wilmott is accused of criminal neglect following the death of a girl in her care. Picture: Kaysee Miller

A Flagstaff Hill woman has faced court charged with criminal neglect following the death of a girl in her care.

Jenni Wilmott, 51, is also charged with two counts of aggravated assault against the 14-year-old, who took her own life two years ago.

But speaking outside of the Christies Beach Magistrates Court, defence lawyer Craig Caldicott said his client would be pleading not guilty and had been “absolutely shocked” when police pressed the charges earlier this year.

“The death was over two years ago and suddenly in October, November this year they lay charges, it’s been a complete shock to her,” Mr Caldicott said.

“She was living with them and she was clearly having some issues at school and it’s against that backdrop that she unfortunately took her life.”

Jenni Wilmott leaving the Christies Beach Magistrates Court. Ms Wilmott is accused of criminal neglect following the death of a girl in her care. Picture: Kaysee Miller

“I’ve met with (Ms Wilmott) on a number of occasions, as much as I shouldn’t be giving character evidence she appears to be fairly reasonable and absolutely distressed by what’s been happening.”

Court documents show the alleged neglect occurred between January 2015 and October 2018 and two alleged assaults occurred at Flagstaff Hill in May and June 2018.

“ (Ms Wilmott) was or ought to have been aware that there was an appreciable risk that harm would be caused to the victim … (she) failed to take steps that she could be reasonably have been expected to take in the circumstances to protect that victim,” the documents said.

A police prosecutor told the court the case against Ms Wilmott was complex and had “in excess of 150 witnesses”.

Mr Caldicott said he had yet to see a witness list or be supplied materials from police.

“I suspect that any person my client has interacted with over the last 10 years has been approached to be witnesses, as to whether they’re substantive or not is an entirely different question,” he said.

“It is one of those things that come April we’ll have a hopefully a large amount of statements that we can ascertain whether or not there’s actually even a case to answer in the magistrates court.”.

Ms Wilmott will face the Adelaide Magistrates Court in April.