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Hamilton man Mathew Ellery - Source: ONE News -
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The 21-year-old charged with murdering Ngaruawahia infant Serenity Jay Scott is to undergo a psychiatric assessment.
Hamilton man Mathew Ellery is accused of the infant's murder. He was denied bail following an appearance in court yesterday morning.
Serenity died from critical injuries at Starship Hospital just two days after being found unresponsive at her Havelock Rd home in April last year.
Police and medical staff who treated the infant at Auckland's Starship Hospital believed her injuries were consistent with shaken baby syndrome.
Ellery was shaking and in tears by the end of his appearance.
The court was told he needs psychological help because he is having trouble dealing with the allegations.
Community magistrate Sue Hovell denied Ellery's bail, saying there was too much of a risk he would interfere with witnesses. It is alleged he has spent months trying to convince people he was not involved.
Ellery's grandparents were his only support in the public gallery yesterday, and would not comment.
He is yet to enter a plea and is due to appear back in court on February 10.
Serenity's mother Chelsea Scott, 21, was also emotional after facing her former boyfriend in court.
Community combats abuse
The case ignited anger in the community over child abuse, but yesterday's appearance brought some relief.
Cherie Kurarangi Sweeney, the founder of NARK, told ONE News it is an "absolute relief" that the accused is facing charges and that it will bring closure to the community.
"It's going to start to bring some closure for our neighbours and community in Ngaruawhaia. I just feel absolutely relieved that they've actually made the arrest now."
"It's been a long-time coming. I've been thinking about what's happening after I made my initial police statement."
"I want to see this all the way to the end."
Locals say the country can learn from the baby's death.
"We got together as a community and we put it out there that we
will not stand for this," said Sweeney.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greene of Waikato CIB last night
credited his investigation team and the support of local agencies
and the community for the arrest.
"To get to the point where we have sufficient evidence to bring this matter before the courts highlights the hard work and long hours put in by an investigation team who always remained focused on doing what is right for a little girl whose life ended so tragically."
"Today's arrest is also testament to the local Ngaruawahia community who very early on in the piece made it very clear they were not going to tolerate violence towards children and young folk on their back door step, and rallied behind police.
"It also vindicates the very strong relationship Waikato Police have with Child Youth and Family whose assistance in this case, from start to finish, has been invaluable."
Scott's family overcome
Scott's family were yesterday overcome with emotion when told of Ellery's arrest. "Yeah, oh God, good, I'm so happy about that," one relative said.
Ellery's family are understood to be troubled by news of his arrest, but his Te Awamutu-based parents Donna and Shane Ellery refused to speak last night.
Scott had a daughter with Ellery on January 6 this year, however the child was removed from their care by Child, Youth and Family about 48 hours later.
Ellery was not Serenity's biological father. He is also father to a 2-year-old Hamilton boy.
Friends of Ellery described him as "unpredictable" following Serenity's death last year, while another said despite his "short fuse" she had not known him to be violent toward children.
They said Ellery led a transient life, moving around the Waikato as a child, attending Hauraki Plains College, and was eventually brought up by his Hamilton-based grandparents.
Greene said while the arrest was a major milestone for the investigation team there was still plenty of work to be done.
"This is a very good example of how seriously police view incidents of child abuse and would urge anyone with any knowledge of abuse going on to speak up.
"It's a case of see something do something, and as a community we can make a difference.
"Look after your kids, love them and protect them."
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