Emily's Life:

EMILY ANAMANTHODO spent her short life, the victim of sexual and physical abuse by those close to her. She spent a long time in hospital, was abandoned and neglected and became the centre of a court fight over her custody.

She died a victim of torture and brutality on Monday. The following is the chronological order of events leading to her death.

- March 2004: Neighbours of Emily reported to Marabella police that the child was being beaten and tortured.

- April 2004: Emily suffered a broken arm after being beaten.

- May 2004: Emily sustained injuries after falling down a flight of stairs.

- May 2005: Emily’s mother charged with abandoning and neglecting her.

- May and September 2005: Emily is placed in a Safe House in South.

- September 2005: Application made for Emily to become a ward of the State.

- November 2005: Emily’s mother and grandmother apply for custody of Emily.

- December 22, 2005: Custody granted to the two women by a magistrate.

Yesterday, people from all walks of life were shocked and expressed horror blaming family, neighbours and most of all the police for failing to save this child.

Assistant Police Commissioner Winston Cooper insisted that members of the public over 16, without a warrant, who have information that a child or minor is being abused, can take custody of that child and appear before a magistrate with that child so the court can remove the child from further harm.

According to ACP Cooper, Section 44 of the Children’s Act Chapter 46:01 provides for this and people who knew that murder victim Emily Anamanthodo was being abused, could have acted and rescued the child.

He added that the role of the police is to protect and serve, but the police cannot do the job effectively without the assistance of members of the public.

Cooper said he and members of his executive have been clamouring with the public to establish a partnership with the police and assist in the fight against crime by giving key information to the police.

He felt that apart from the police, members of the public who knew that Emily was being abused should have acted.

Cooper said a request was made for officers in charge of the southern division to submit a report on whether reports were made to the station about the abuse, and if action was taken.