The parents of a baby who died at a hospital in the West Country will face trial accused of his murder. Daniel Gunter, 25, and Sophie Staddon, 20, allegedly killed Brendon Staddon at Yeovil District Hospital.
Gunter and Staddon have also been charged with the causing or allowing the two-week-old baby's death on Tuesday, March 5. That 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 appeared at Bristol Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing before Judge William Hart. Gunter pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and causing or allowing the death of a child, while Staddon did not enter pleas to the charges she faces.
Read more:
They have since been remanded into custody. They will appear before a High Court judge to begin on Monday, November 11 and a further hearing was fixed for July.
Want the latest Bristol breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
