Woman in court charged with murdering two-week-old baby in hospital
A woman has appeared in court charged with murdering a two-week-old baby in hospital.
Sophie Staddon, 20, is accused, along with Daniel Gunter, 25, of killing Brendon Staddon at Yeovil District Hospital on 5 March this year.
Both defendants, of no fixed address, have also been charged with causing or allowing Brendon's death.
The baby boy died at the hospital, where he was an inpatient, at about 5am on March 5.
Staddon appeared before Taunton Magistrates' Court on Friday morning, where she spoke to confirm her name, date of birth and address.
She was not asked to enter pleas in relation to the two charges against her.
Gunter was also due to appear before the court on Friday.
Committing the case to crown court, presiding justice Victoria McNiven remanded Staddon in custody."
Avon and Somerset Police previously said officers were called to the hospital by staff.
An investigation was launched by the force's major crime investigation team a short time later.
Detective Inspector Mark Newbury, of Avon and Somerset Police, 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 inquiries 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."
Staddon will next appear before Bristol Crown Court on 11 March.
