Mum and dad to stand trial accused of murdering two-week-old baby in hospital
THE parents of a two-week-old baby today appeared in court accused of murdering the newborn in hospital.
Brendon Staddon died at Yeovil District Hospital where he had been receiving treatment on March 5 this year.
His parents Daniel Gunter, 25, and Sophie Staddon, 20, have been charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.
The pair appeared at Bristol Crown Court today where Gunter denied the charges.
Staddon did not enter pleas but a provisional trial set to last two weeks was scheduled for November 11.
The charge alleges that “being a member of the same household as and having had frequent contact” with Brendon, they either caused his death or did not protect him from a foreseeable “significant risk of serious physical harm”.
Gunter and Staddon were remanded into custody to next appear at the same court in July.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed a probe was launched by the Major Crime Investigation Team following Brendon’s death.
Senior Investigating Officer, DI Mark Newbury, said: “This is a particularly tragic case in which a very young baby has died, and our thoughts are with Brendon’s loved ones during this time.
“We have been carrying out enquiries at the hospital this week, and we’re grateful to the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and their staff for their assistance in enabling us to do this.”
