Mother accused of murdering her children weeps in court

Theresa Riggi is alleged to have killed eight-year-old twins Austin and Luke and their five-year-old sister Cecilia at their Edinburgh home in August last year.

Riggi, 47, who wore a white dress and jacket and held a handkerchief as she sat in the dock, was at the High Court in the city for a short preliminary hearing.

The case was continued without plea to a hearing on March 7 in Edinburgh.

American Riggi faces three charges of murder and another of culpably and recklessly causing a gas explosion.

All the events are alleged to have happened between August 2 and 4 last year at an address in the city's Slateford Road, where she and her children were living.

Prosecutors allege that Cecilia and the twins, who are also known as Augustino and Gianluca, were repeatedly struck on the body with a knife or knives.

Riggi is further alleged to have removed a gas hob from its fixings and undone screws from the burner valves, allowing gas to escape. It is claimed she made sure the windows and doors were locked and ignited the gas, causing it to explode.

The charge alleges that the fire which followed caused damage to the property, put people in danger and severely injured Riggi.

She had been due to appear in court two weeks ago, but the case was postponed until today.

Defence QC Donald Findlay told the court there continues to be an "ongoing discussion" with the Crown "as to the best way in which this matter might proceed".

Lord Kinclaven fixed the new hearing, which could last a day, for next month.

The judge told Riggi, who was allowed to remain seated as he addressed her: "What I'm going to do is continue this matter, without any plea having been tendered on your behalf, to the date that's been mentioned - the 7th of March 2011."

He added: "It is anticipated that the case might last a whole day."

The judge told Riggi she would continue to be remanded in custody.