Criminal neglect charges against babysitter Taimania Ngaronoa dropped while court told investigations continue

A teenage babysitter who was accused of neglecting a young child in her care has had her charges dropped, while the court was told investigations continue.

A teenage babysitter charged with child neglect crimes after a small child was found with horrific injuries – including burns, broken bones and bruising throughout his body – has had her charges dropped in court, while the court was told investigations are continuing.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning, 18-year-old Taimania Ngaronoa stood silently as the court heard her charges against a three-year-old boy police said she had been babysitting were withdrawn.

Ms Ngaronoa, from Huntfield Heights, was originally charged with criminal neglect in September last year after the boy was taken to hospital.

Taimania Ngaronoa, (C), a babysitter whose child neglect charges were dropped in court. Picture: Dean Martin

In a press conference in November, Detective Chief Inspector Mark McEachern from Southern District CIB told media the boy was burnt to his face, inside his mouth and all over his body, bitten, and sustained “terrible injuries”.

“We are fortunate it will not be a homicide, unfortunately that is how many of these cases end up … the little boy had to be intubated, such was the extent of his injuries,” Detective Inspector McEachern said.

“The three-year-old spent two weeks in (the Women’s and Children’s) hospital in relation to the injuries, and has got a long road to recovery ahead of him.

Taimania Ngaronoa, (C), a babysitter whose child neglect charges were dropped in court. Picture: Dean Martin

“We do know that injuries preceded the 19th (of September).”

Police said Ms Ngaronoa – who is known to the family of the child and was babysitting him and his younger brother – was arrested in the early hours of September 20.

In court on Tuesday, the police prosecutor asked for her criminal neglect charge to be withdraw, but flagged police may re-lay it in the future.

“No charge determination has been made by the director,” the prosecutor said.

“We are asking for the charge to be withdrawn today for further investigation, with the possibility it could be relaid at a later date.”

Ms Ngaronoa left court surrounded by supporters, and hid her face behind her phone.