SHELLY-ANN Rodney, the 20-year-old woman who allegedly kidnapped a two-day-old baby girl from the Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) last Thursday, was remanded into custody for psychiatric evaluation when she appeared in the Half-Way-Tree Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Rodney is scheduled to return to court on February 9.

Appearing before senior resident magistrate Judith Pusey, Rodney, the court was told, was to be remanded so that she could reportedly be examined for Postpartum depression. This condition is characterised by feelings of guilt and worthlessness, trouble concentrating, anxiety, sadness and lack of energy any time within the first year after giving birth to a child.

In severe cases women suffering from this condition have been known to harm their children.

Allegations are that Rodney posed as a ward assistant and told André Fairclough, the father of baby Dajahnae that she was taking the child to another floor of the hospital to get BCG shots. Some time after Fairclough allegedly handed the baby to Rodney he became suspicious of her intentions and went to search for her. By that time, however, she had reportedly already left the hospital with the baby.

The baby was found later at premises in Duhaney Park, St Andrew, allegedly in Rodney’s possession. She was subsequently arrested and charged with child stealing.