http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/22/2578623.htm


Father 'gambled while daughter died'

The murder trial of a couple who allegedly starved their daughter to death has heard the father was gambling on the internet, unaware the child was dead in her bedroom.

The couple is accused of murdering the girl by neglect but have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In previous days, The Supreme Court trial at East Maitland has heard the girl appeared "mummified" and looked much smaller than her age when her body was found.

It has also heard the body of the seven-year-old girl was found by her mother about 7:00am on Saturday November 3, 2007.

The father asserts he did not become aware of the death until about 11:00am that morning, when his wife acknowledged that something was wrong with their daughter.

During today's proceedings the jury was given an account of the man's internet gambling activities on the morning the body was found.

According to the betting records tendered, the father made seven bets between 9:45am and 10:53am, and he received two winning payments totalling $33.

In earlier evidence, the court heard the man thought it was going to be a good day after having his first win that morning.