A MAN has appeared in court charged with murdering a two-year-old girl while her mother as been remanded in custody for her own safety.

Kyle Bevan, 30, from Queen’s Road, Aberystwyth, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday accused of killing Lola James.

The child's mother, Sinead James, 29, from Neyland, Pembrokeshire, has been charged with causing or allowing the death of Lola James.

The infant suffered a serious head injury at her home in Haverfordwest in July 2020.

At the hearing, Bevan, who had earlier been remanded into custody, indicated he would be pleading not guilty.

Defending, Tom Lloyd said he would not be making an application for bail on his client’s behalf.

Prosecutor Nia Sturgess said the case is too serious to be dealt with at magistrates’ court and asked for it to be sent to crown court.

A date was set for Bevan to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Monday April 25 at 10am.

Magistrates told James they did “not feel bail conditions were sufficient to keep you safe” and remanded her in custody.

During the hearing, James, who was dressed in an oversized light-coloured top, could be seen crying in the dock.

Both defendants are due to appear at Swansea Crown Court on Monday April 25 at 10am.

Lola’s father Daniel Thomas, previously released a tribute to his daughter.

He said: “From the very first time I met my beautiful daughter, Lola Patricia James, my heart was filled with such joy, a happiness I’d never felt before, an unconditional love and need to always protect her for the rest of her life.

“Not in a million years did I think her life would be snatched away from her in such a cruel way.

“All the things she never had chance to learn, see or say, and all the things I will never have chance to teach her – to write her name, ride a bike or drive a car.

“Lola, you have left a hole in the hearts of everyone you met. Your sparkly eyes and beautiful smile will be missed always.”

Lola’s grandmother, Nicola James, added: “Our beautiful girl, with your big sparkly eyes and soft blonde curls, you will forever be in our hearts and never forgotten. Shine bright baby girl, our sparkling star.”

Lola's funeral was held in St David and St Patricks Church and afterwards Lola travelled through Milford Haven in a horse and carriage with members of the public clapping and cheering as she went by to celebrate her life.

Two-year-old Lola, of 4 Princess Royal Way, Winch Lane, died at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, on July 2020, after suffering a severe head injury.

Coroner’s officer Lisa Jenkins told a virtual hearing at the time of the inquest that police had been notified by medical staff at Withybush Hospital that a child had been admitted with a severe head injury.

Lola was subsequently transferred to University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.

The inquest was adjourned as a result of an ongoing police investigation.