Woman denies murder of baby found near theme park in Warrington 26 years ago

A woman has denied the murder of a baby who was discovered in woodland 26 years ago.

Detectives named the baby boy Callum after his body was found, wrapped in a black plastic bag by a dog walker, close to Gulliver's World theme park, Warrington in March 1998, as his true identity could not be confirmed.

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

The 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."

Joanne Sharkey, 55, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday 25 July charged with murder and endeavouring to conceal the birth of a child.

According to the charge, Sharkey of West Derby, Liverpool is accused of murdering her "infant child" between 1 January and 14 March 1998.

The defendant, who wore a black blazer with patterned top and her hair clipped up, was initially arrested in July 2023 before being charged in April this year.

She entered not guilty pleas to both counts.

Detective Inspector Hannah Friend, of the force's major crime review team, previously said: "I understand that this is an extremely emotional case which has attracted a lot of attention over the past 26 years. However, I would ask people not to speculate."Criminal proceedings are now active against Joanne Sharkey and she has the right to a fair trial.

"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

The court heard trial, expected to last four weeks, was listed for 14 January next year.

Sharkey was released on bail ahead of a pre-trial review hearing on 18 October.