The 39-year-old man accused of the murder of 17-month-old Sadie-Leigh Gardner has plead not guilty in court today.

Adrian Clancy appeared by audio visual link in Tauranga District Court this morning.

During his first appearance, Clancy's defence lawyer sought for name suppression but this was denied.

Clancy was arrested on April 23 in relation to the death of Sadie-Leigh.

The 17-month-old girl was taken to Tauranga Hospital from an address in Maungatapu Road, with critical injuries on Wednesday, March 27.

"Sadie-Leigh Gardner sadly died in Starship Hospital two days later, on Friday 29 March,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Lindsay Pilbrow at the time of Clancy's arrest.

Clancy has been remanded in custody for a case review hearing on July 17.

A two week trial has been scheduled for the Rotorua High Court in May 18 2020.

Police at the scene of where the toddler was injured. Image: Daniel Hines.