A French woman has gone on trial accused of hiding the existence of her daughter who she kept in a basement and the boot of her car.

Rosa Maria Da Cruz appeared in court in the central city of Tulle on charges of repeated violence against a minor, causing permanent disability.

She faces up to 20 years in prison.

Authorities said the child was around two years old when a garage mechanic found her in the car, malnourished and with severe developmental problems.

A report by state broadcaster France-Info said Cruz hid her pregnancy and the birth from her husband and three other children.


The child, now nearly seven, is in special care.