An author and former probation worker has appeared in court over an allegation she killed a five-year-old girl by scalding her in a hot bath in 1978.
Janice Nix, 66, is accused of the manslaughter of Andrea Bernard when she suffered serious burns at a property in Thornton Heath, southwest London on June 6, 1978.
Nix, who was known as Mamma J in the past and has previously worked for the probation service, appeared in court to face criminal charges for the first time on Wednesday.
Uxbridge magistrates court heard she is also accused of cruelty to Andrea’s brother Desmond Bernard between October 1 1975 and June 6 1978, when he was eight.
Nix, who is now a prize-winning engagement worker and author, is said to have forced Andrea into a very hot bath which scalded 50 per cent of her body.
She was aged between 16 and 19 at the time of the alleged cruelty towards Desmond.
Nix appeared in the dock to confirm her name, age and address at the short court hearing, before the charges she faces were read out.
She was charged this week after a cold case investigation by the Metropolitan Police which started in September 2022.
Scotland Yard said Andrea was hospitalised on June 6, 1978 after an alleged assault at a property in Thornton Heath.
She received treatment on a specialist burns unit and died on July 13, 1978.
Nix, of Rodenhurst Road, Clapham, wore a navy blue hoodie in the dock and pulled the hood over her face as she left court.
She was freed on bail with conditions including to surrender her passports and not to travel to any international travel hubs.
She is set to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on March 19.
