2 Dec 2011

Torture charge laid after girl's death

1:42 pm on 2 December 2011

A woman believed to be from Tauranga has been charged in Australia with torture following the death of an eight-year-old girl.

Ane Leaso, 27, has been charged in the Cairns Magistrates Court with torture and assault occasioning bodily harm while armed.

A 22-year-old man has been charged with cruelty to a child.

Police in Queensland say Faith Leaso's body was discovered at a house in the Cairns suburb of Westcourt on Monday night.

A spokesperson says the charges may be upgraded to murder.

Ane Leaso, who was born in Samoa, has been remanded in custody until 21 December.

The man will appear in court on 15 December.