A man accused of the killing a two-year-old girl at her home will appear at Teesside Crown Court charged with her murder, on Monday (October 10).
Michael Daymond was remanded in custody after making his first court appearance in the case, before Peterlee magistrates, on Friday.
Detectives investigating the death of Maya Louise Chappell charged the 26-year-old former Shotton Colliery man with her murder, last Thursday.
He had been initially arrested on suspicion of assault with intent to cause serious harm, following an incident in Shotton Colliery, on Wednesday September 28.
Maya was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after emergency services responded to reports of a medical incident at an address in Milton Grove.
The toddler spent two days in intensive care at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, but died on Friday September 30.
Read more: Maya Chappell: Family photos show smiling face of much-loved toddler
Her tragic death led to the inquiry being upgraded by police to one of murder, leading to Friday’s court hearing.
Police have said a 23-year-old woman was also been arrested in connection with the inquiry and has been granted bail, pending further investigation.
Following confirmation of her death, Maya’s father, James, gave a heart-breaking tribute to his daughter.
He said: “It breaks my heart to be writing this but, sadly, my beautiful brave little girl has gained her wings.
“She was too good for this world and, as a reward, she’s going to play in the stars.
“I love you so much Maya Louise Chappell, you are my life, my earth and my idol.
“I’ll always look up to you with all my heard.
“RIP baby girl.”
Following Friday’s court appearance, a candlelit vigil was held by members of Maya’s family at Consett Football Club’s Belle View Stadium.
More than 100 members of the community, including her father, came together on a crisp Friday evening to honour what they described as, “one of their own”.
Read more: Maya Chappell: Consett comes together to honour toddler
The emotional candlelit vigil was held for Maya, in what those present, still coming to terms with her death, said was her home town.
A youth goal was set up near the centre of the field as the focal point for those arriving, just before 7.30pm.
Framed pictures of Maya’s cherubic face were placed at each post, surrounded by flickering lights in the cold night air.
Between the angelic photographs, tealights were arranged in a heart-shape and throughout the vigil, balloons bobbed about in the autumnal breeze.
Families, many joined by their children, held each other while standing in silence for several minutes.
It was followed by an almost spontaneous applause for about a minute, in celebration of Maya’s short-lived life.
Loved by those who knew her, her cheeky grin featuring in family-issue photos since her death has also broke the hearts of strangers.
It has helped a JustGiving appeal to help her family give her a special send-off, see almost £8,000 raised by the weekend.
Read next:
Maya Chappell: Michael Daymond is charged with murder
Maya Chappell: Thousands raised after Shotton Colliery toddler dies
Shotton Colliery incident: Floral tributes for Maya Chappell as funds flow in
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