A WOMAN accused of multiple counts of trying to poison a girl has appeared in court.

Mary Kidson, 55, spoke only to confirm her name and address during a short hearing at Hereford Magistrates' Court yesterday (Wednesday).

She stands accused of unlawfully and maliciously administering hydrocortisone tablets, endangering the life or inflicting grievous bodily harm on the alleged victim, between 2010 and March 5, 2013.

She is further alleged to have poisoned the same girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, by giving her oestrogen tablets from February 2011 until 2013, and is facing a separate charge of administering thyroid extract to the youngster between August 2012 and March 2013.

Wearing an orange jacket and glasses in court, Kidson, of Dymock Road, Ledbury, Herefordshire, was originally arrested in March last year, following a lengthy investigation by police and social services, according to West Mercia Police.

Kidson was conditionally bailed to appear at Worcester Crown Court on Monday, May 19 for a plea hearing.