A 35-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of two-year-old Santina Cawley in Cork city.

Karen Harrington - who is four and a half months pregnant - appeared before a special sitting of Cork District Court on Wednesday morning.

Detective Garda Cormac Crotty told the court that he arrested Karen Harrington at an address at Lakelands Crescent, Mahon just before 8.00am this morning.

She was taken to the Bridewell Garda station where she was charged with the murder of Santina Cawley at Elderwood Park, Boreenmanna Road on July 5th last.

After being cautioned, she replied "I don't understand why I'm getting charged. I didn't murder no one".

Solicitor Paula McCarthy said that given the nature of the charge a bail application could not be made today as it would have to be dealt with in the High Court.

She applied for a week's adjournment.

She also asked that Karen Harrington - who has an address at Elderwood Park, Boreenmanna Road - receive any necessary medical attention while in custody because she is four and a half months pregnant.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded her in custody until August 26th next.

Members of Santina Cawley's family - including her mother - were in court today.