Kelso dad faces court charged with manslaughter over the death of his 3yo daughter

The father of a young girl who was found dead in a Townsville stormwater drain has had his matter mentioned in court for the first time.

THE father of a young girl who was found dead in a Townsville stormwater drain has had his matter mentioned in court for the first time.

The 27-year-old, who cannot be named yet for legal reasons, was charged by detectives from Townsville Child Protection Unit on Sunday with manslaughter and drive under the influence of a drug.

The 27-year-old did not apply for bail.

The girl’s father has been charged with manslaughter.

He did not appear for the first mention of his matter in Townsville Magistrates Court.

No application for bail was made, but his lawyer did not rule out the possibility of making an application at a later date.

The scene where a 3yr old died in a storm water creek in Kelso Photo: Katie Hall

Magistrate Ross Mack said if a bail application was made at another date, he would require lawyers to provide written submissions.

It is understood police will allege the man fell asleep in his Kelso home when the girl, 3, left the house.

The girl was reported missing at 6.40pm, with nearby neighbours joining in on the search efforts to find the girl.

At 8.20pm, the girl was found in a stormwater drain and was later pronounced deceased at Townsville University Hospital.

It will also be alleged that the man drove away in his car after realising the girl had died, giving rise to the drug driving charge.

The matter was adjourned to February 21 for committal mention, allowing time for a brief of evidence to be completed.

Originally published as Kelso dad faces court charged with manslaughter over the death of his 3yo daughter