Trial date set for woman accused of murdering baby found in Warrington woodland in 1998

A date has been set for the trial of a woman accused of murdering a baby discovered in woodland 26 years ago.

'Baby Callum' was discovered close to the Gulliver’s World theme park in Warrington in March 1998.

Joanne Sharkey appeared at Liverpool Crown Court charged with murder and concealment of the birth of a child.

The 54-year-old, of Denham Close, Liverpool, appeared via video-link from HMP Styal, wearing a black sweatshirt and jeans and with her brown hair tied up.

She spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth during the 10-minute hearing.

Baby “Callum” was discovered close to the Gulliver’s World theme park in Warrington in March 1998.

No application for bail was made.

Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary remanded Sharkey in custody ahead of a hearing on 25 July, when she will be asked to enter a plea.

A provisional trial date was fixed for 14 January 2025 and is expected to last two weeks.

Woman in court charged with murder of 'baby Callum'
Baby Callum’s funeral was arranged and paid for by the people of Warrington Credit: Richard Williams/Liverpool Daily Post/PA

The baby was named Callum after the Callands district of Warrington where he was found, because detectives could not confirm his true identity.

A funeral service was arranged by local people and he was buried in Warrington Cemetery a few months later.

A headstone, which was paid for with money raised by local residents, was inscribed: “Baby Callum, precious child of God. Laid to rest July 27 1998. With love, from the people of Warrington.”