Mum charged with causing daughter’s death in WA road crash

A Perth woman was too distraught to face court yesterday on charges of causing her daughter's road crash death.

Janet Louise Kirby, 47, was brought before Perth Magistrates Court sobbing yesterday morning, about 12 hours after the Jeep Cherokee she was driving left a road and rolled onto its roof at Merriwa around 10pm on Saturday, PerthNow.

Her 15-year-old daughter Lois was thrown from the vehicle, police said.

She was taken to hospital but died from her injuries.

Police said seven people were in the Jeep, including two adults and five children. A 20-year-old woman suffered a fractured arm and the other occupants were treated for minor injuries.

Ms Kirby is now facing a string of driving charges, including driving causing death.

Yesterday the magistrate requested a medical assessment of the mother after she was barely able to stand because she was sobbing so much. Following the assessment, a nurse reported Ms Kirby was mentally but not emotionally fit to face court.

The court heard she would receive treatment by a psychologist before her next court appearance today via video link.

She was remanded in custody until today's hearing.