A woman has been brought before the court, accused of causing the death of a five-year-old by submerging her in a scalding bath.
Janice Nix, 66, faces a manslaughter charge relating to the demise of Andrea Bernard, who was admitted to a hospital after sustaining burns in Thornton Heath, south London, on June 6, 1978.
Initially treated at a hospital in Croydon, Andrea was subsequently transferred to a specialized burns facility in East Grinstead, West Sussex, but tragically passed away from her injuries on July 13 of that year.
Nix, a resident of Clapham in southwest London, was seen crying as she stood in the dock at Uxbridge Magistrates Court this morning.
Additionally, she is accused of exhibiting cruelty towards Andrea’s sibling, Desmond Bernard, between October 1, 1975, and June 6, 1978, when he was eight years old.
Dressed in a navy blue hoodie, Nix—who was aged between 16 and 19 during the alleged offenses—only spoke to acknowledge her name, age, and address during the brief hearing.
The Metropolitan Police reported that their cold case team launched an investigation into Andrea’s demise in September 2022.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that the incident was reported to authorities at that time by Mr. Bernard, who is now an adult.
Nix has been released on bail under conditions that include surrendering her passports and avoiding travel to any international airports.
She is scheduled to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on March 19.
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