Father, ex-flatmate to stand trial over death of three-year-old

Two men have been committed to trial over the death of three-year-old Brisbane girl Kyhesha-Lee Joughin – one of them the girl’s father, Matthew Lee Williamson.

Mr Williamson, 30, and his former housemate Christopher Arthur Neville Kent, 46, have been charged with manslaughter and child cruelty over Khyesha-Lee’s death.

The little girl was found dead at her Petrie home in March 2013.

Her death was caused by a tear in her bowel that became infected.

Prosecutors said the injury could have been caused by a blow from a fist, a foot, a blunt object or an adult falling on her.

“It would have been apparent to her caregivers that she was seriously unwell,” prosecutor Carson Lloyd said.

Magistrate Christine Roney said the case against Mr Williamson was sturdy.

The injury that killed Khyesha-Lee was treatable and a day or two old at the time of her death.

The court heard a friend who visited the home told Mr Williamson she needed medical attention.

Mr Kent, who has already served two years jail, has indicated he would be willing to plead guilty on a negligence basis only.