Mother denies murder

Lauren Anne Dickason will enter not guilty pleas to charges of murdering her three daughters in Timaru last month. Because she remains unwell in hospital in Christchurch, her appearance was excused when the case was called in the High Court yesterday. Justice Cameron Mander told defence counsel Kerryn Beaton, QC, that because Dickason was not appearing, the defendant would need to sign a written notice so counsel could enter the not guilty pleas on her behalf. Dickason, a medical practitioner, is accused of the murder of twins Maya and Karla, 2, and their older sister Liane, 6, on the night of September 16. Yesterday’s session took place in the High Court at Christchurch, with a link to the Timaru Court House so relatives and media could also watch proceedings. Dickason, who was admitted to the hospital after the incident, had appeared in court in Timaru on September 18 for a psychiatric assessment. More time was granted for that assessment when the case was called in Christchurch last week, without Dickason making an appearance.