The manslaughter case involving the mother of baby Roselana, who drowned in a bath on August 31, will be heard behind closed doors at the request of the defence.

Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit acceded to the request even though she did not see the need for it once the court had already banned publication of the 17-year-old mother’s name.

The teenager is charged with the involuntary homicide of her nine-month-old daughter in Cospicua, whom she allegedly left unattended in the bath.

The mother appeared in court yesterday wearing a white shirt, a black skirt and white shoes.

She looked extremely nervous as she complained to her lawyer about the presence of journalists in the courtroom.

When the case was called, defence lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha and Mark Montalto told the magistrate they would like to have the case heard behind closed doors due to the age of the accused, who is still a minor, as well as the age of the victim.

The magistrate shrugged her shoulders, saying she saw no reason for this request.

She noted that the court had already banned the publication of the mother’s name.

The prosecution, led by Police Inspector Robert Said Sarreo, did not oppose the request and the magistrate upheld it, ordering everyone out of the courtroom.

Roselana was certified dead at Mater Dei Hospital and an autopsy concluded the baby had drowned.

The case continues behind closed doors.