A mother was remanded in custody for her own safety because of ‘community tensions’ following the alleged murder of her bubbly and happy’ toddler and the recent Logan Mwangi case.

Sinead James, 29, is accused of causing or allowing the death of two-year-old Lola James during lockdown.

Her boyfriend Kyle Bevan, 30, is charged with murdering Lola at the family home in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.

Sinead James, 29, is accused of causing or allowing the death of two-year-old Lola James during lockdown at their home in Haverford West, Pembrokeshire in July 2020

Her boyfriend Kyle Bevan, 30, pictured, is charged with murdering Lola at the family home in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire

Police were called to the couple’s modern end-of-terrace home in July 2020 after receiving a 999 call.

Lola died of serious head injuries four days later in hospital in Cardiff with relatives at her bedside.

The pair appeared separately before Llanelli magistrates today and James sobbed throughout her 30-minute hearing which was told she was asleep at the time of the alleged murder.

The court heard the mother-of-three was arrested ‘without warning’ on Thursday, the same day as a mother, stepfather and 14-year-old youth were found guilty of murdering five-year-old Logan Mwangi, 70 miles away in Bridgend.

Prosecutor Nia Sturgess, objected to her being given bail, saying: ‘James has suffered abuse from members of the community.

‘While on bail she has been called a child killer and one individual told her: “I’m coming for you.”

‘One individual used a stone to strike her front door – she called the police herself. She felt harassed, distressed and anxious.

‘She has now been charged with this serious offense which if convicted a substantial custodial sentence should be invoked.’

Ms Sturgess reminded magistrate Wyn David of the Mwangi case saying ‘community tensions will be heightened’ at the moment.

She said: ‘You will be aware that only yesterday there were three convictions in relation to the murder of Logan Mwangi.

‘It is believed that this investigation will attract significant media attention and it is likely that community tensions will be heightened and Miss James will be at risk.’

‘The prosecution ask for her to be remanded in custody for her own protection.’

James’s solicitor appealed for her to be given bail saying she was of clean character and was now living in Neyland, Pembrokeshire, 30-minutes away from her former home in Haverfordwest.

She said: ‘Miss James was asleep at the time of the murder. This is not a case of what she has not done, rather than what she has done.’

But chairman of the bench Wyn David remanded James in custody and she will appear at Swansea Crown Court on Monday.

The court also remanded Bevan, of Aberystwyth, to the same court on Monday.

The magistrates’ court hearing was told he has indicated he intended to plead not guilty to the murder charge.

At the time of the tragedy Lola’s father Dan Thomas led tributes to his little girl who loved watching Disney’s Frozen with her older sister.

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 always be missed.’

Mr Thomas thanked doctors and nurses at the Noah’s Ark children’s hospital in Cardiff where the dead died on July 21.

He added: ‘I would like to thank every doctor, nurse and healthcare assistant that not only helped Lola, but threw everything they had at her to try and save her life.

‘Rest in peace has never been so meaningful to me, but rest now Lola, whilst Daddy seeks the justice you deserve.’

Lola’s grandmother Nicola James said she had sparkling eyes and was a beautiful singer.

She said: ‘Lola Patricia James, you were the constant light in our lives, the sparkle of our eye.

‘You were so bubbly, happy and kept everyone on their toes, a beautiful singer and you were always smiling.

‘Your big sister is especially going to miss staying up late playing Frozen, when you should be sleeping, giving the best big hugs and the most beatifulist(SIC) singing and playing in the doll’s house.

‘Nanny’s gonna miss your mischievousness and your loud crazy personality.’

Pembrokeshire Council paid tribute at the time saying it was ‘extremely saddened’ by Lola’s death.

Local councilor Thomas Tudor said: ‘It’s a terrible tragedy that has happened. The town is in a state of shock.’