A five-year-old girl died in a fire after being locked alone at home at least 42 times. The trial against the mother began on Monday in Göteborg District Court.
On the first day of the trial, surveillance videos from the apartment on Hisingen were shown. The footage depicted the girl moving around alone late in the evening and crying after hurting herself.
The mother, who is in her 30s, is charged with gross causing of another’s death, unlawful deprivation of liberty and causing danger to another. Prosecutor Sara Selheden stated that the girl had been left alone systematically during autumn and winter.
The girl was found dead in February in connection with the fire she is believed to have started herself with a lighter. The mother has said she does not remember the events but denies any intent to harm anyone.
Social services had received several reports of concern but the case was dropped after a meeting with the mother. The trial is expected to last eight days.
