The trial of a woman charged with murdering her godson has begun at the High Court at Auckland.
Mariam Tohuia Filihia is facing one charge of grievous bodily harm and one of murder following the death of 1-year-old Terepo "Popo" Taura-Griffiths in south Auckland in November, 2011.
Her trial is being conducted before a jury of nine women and three men.
Justice Murray Gilbert has begun the trial by informing the jury that they are also judges. "You will have to decide to either accept or reject the evidence put forward to you."
A post-mortem examination revealed Terepo died from a fracture to the rear of his head and a massive brain bleed.
Filihia's trial is set down for five weeks.
- Brendan Manning of APNZ
