New trial date for Leeds mum accused of murdering daughter as questions remain over fitness to plea
Trial could last around two weeks
A mum accused of murdering her daughter is still yet to enter a plea as questions linger over her fitness to stand trial.
Pippa McGrath, who is being held in a secure unit, was excused from attending a brief hearing at Leeds Crown Court this morning.
During a previous hearing it was heard that a psychiatric assessment was being prepared in the hope of determining her state of mind, but no update was given today.
Instead, a new hearing date was set for July 24 in the hope that the case can finally progress.
McGrath, 48, was due to stand trial in February of this year, but due to the ongoing delays it has now been rescheduled for October 12.
The trial, which would be before a high court judge, could last around two weeks.
The body of Hope McGrath was discovered at a property in Colton last year.
Police had been called to an address on Austhorpe Court shortly after 11am last Wednesday, July 30, after concerns were raised about the safety of a young child.
Officers found the body of three-year-old Hope inside the property.
McGrath was taken to hospital for urgent medical treatment.
She was later arrested on suspicion of murder.