A 30-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder following the death of Greymouth toddler Leith Hutchison in April.
Leith (15 months) died on April 21 after suffering a serious head injury.
Today, Tasman District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Paul Borrell said that the arrest came after a "comprehensive and intensive" nine month criminal investigation.
A family spokesperson issued a statement through the police, that read:
"The past months have been harrowing for myself and the rest of my family. I am relieved that someone has today been brought before the courts.
"We know that we now have to go through a very difficult time, and let justice run its course.
"Our thoughts are never far away from our baby Leith, who we will never forget, and who is always in our hearts."
The family also requested privacy from the media.
The arrested man appeared in the Greymouth District Court today where he was remanded in custody to appear at the Christchurch High Court on February 12.
He was granted name suppression.
