Victorian babysitter blamed for toddler death lashes out at reporters

A Victorian woman found responsible for the death of a toddler she was babysitting has made a rare public appearance in the state's north-east.

Two weeks ago, Mandy Martyn was found to be responsible for the death of two-year-old Daniel Thomas by the State Coroner.

Today she appeared at Wangaratta Local Court on an unrelated matter.

Ms  Martyn refused to answer questions and lashed out at waiting news crews.

Police still have an open investigation into the murder of Daniel Thomas.  Ms Martyn has never been charged.

Daniel was killed in October 2003 and his remains were found five years later buried underneath the home of his mother Donna Thomas.

Two weeks ago Coroner Jacinta Heffey released her findings into the two-year-old's death, coming to the conclusion that Ms Martyn was responsible.

"I found his death was caused by Mandy Martyn in that she inflicted the injuries that led to his death," Ms Heffey said.

The inquiry found Daniel was subjected to weeks of abuse that included being gagged with a washcloth, blindfolded, slapped, beaten and tied to a bed.

"Daniel was exposed to cruelty amounting to torture," Ms Heffey said.