Charlie Nowland’s mother Crystal Hanley says she is not guilty of her daughter’s manslaughter

The mother of Charlie Nowland says she will fight charges “all the way” after being arrested this week over her daughter’s death more than nine months ago.

“I didn’t kill my daughter.”

Two days after being charged with manslaughter over the death of her six year-old daughter Charlie Nowland, Crystal Hanley says she never hurt her little girl.

“If I killed her (Charlie), why didn’t they arrest me ages ago?” Ms Hanley, who previously used the surname Nowland, told The Advertiser.

On Wednesday morning, Ms Hanley was arrested by Major Crime and Public Protection Branch detectives and charged with the manslaughter of Charlie, as well as four counts of criminal neglect in connection with the alleged mistreatment of other children aged between 8 and 14 years.

Crystal Hanley says she “didn’t kill her daughter” Charlie Nowland after being charged with manslaughter over the girl’s death. Picture: Emma Brasier

Ms Hanley, 47, was one of three arrested in an “unprecedented” police operation which saw two others arrested and charged over separate and unrelated child deaths.

Shane Wanganeen, 50, was arrested and charged over the death of his son Makai Wanganeen, 7, who died in February last year, while carer Jennie Wilmott, 54, was charged over the 2018 death of Jasmine Wilmott, 15, who took her own life.

Charlie died at the Lyell McEwin Hospital in the early hours of July 15 last year after being found unresponsive in her home.

Her cause of death was recorded as malnutrition.

A major police investigation was launched after Charlie’s death in July last year. Picture: Tom Huntley

In the following days, The Advertiser revealed Charlie had been diagnosed with coeliac disease, a chronic immune and digestive disorder which is a reaction to gluten that damages the small intestine and can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies and malnutrition.

A major criminal investigation with Ms Hanley at its centre was launched in the days after the six-year-old’s death.

Assistant Police Commissioner John Venditto said on Wednesday no further arrests over the three deaths were expected.

“The death of these children is a matter of public interest, it was a matter of public interest at the time and it will continue to be,” he said.

Crystal Hanley, pictured with friend Meegan Cox, says she will fight charges against her over her daughter’s death “all the way”. Picture: Emma Brasier

After appearing in the Adelaide Magistrates Court via audio visual link from the City Watch House, Ms Hanley was bailed to live at her Munno Para home under conditions which prohibit her from contacting more than 20 people, including several neighbours after prosecutor Steven Whalan raised concerns she may interfere with evidences or witnesses.

Ms Hanley faces a maximum prison term of life if convicted for the manslaughter of Charlie and 15 years for each charge of criminal neglect, totalling 60 years.

Ms Hanley said she asked detectives four times to repeat charges against her when she was taken into custody at her home on Wednesday, about 7am.

Charlie Nowland died of malnutrition in July last year. Picture: Russell Millard

“Everything was a blur,” she said.

“I still can’t get my head around it.”

Ms Hanley said she would fight the charges “all the way”.

“I was going to give up,” she said.

“That makes me look guilty and I’m not guilty.

“I’ll go back into court and keep fighting it.

“I’m going to take it all the way to trial.”

Ms Hanley said the nine months since Charlie died had been “heartbreaking”.

“I cry every day,” she said.

“I just want her back."