Woman charged with murder of baby found in woodland in 1998

15 April 2024, 15:26 | Updated: 15 April 2024, 22:34

A woman has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a baby in 1998.

Baby "Callum" was discovered in a woodland area in Warrington 26 years ago.

Police arrested a man and a woman from Liverpool in relation to the incident in July 2023 and they were subsequently released on bail.

The woman, who has been named as Joanne Sharkey, 54, was rearrested on Monday and has been charged with murder.

She has been remanded in custody and will appear at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

Detective Inspector Hannah Friend 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."

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The man who was arrested as part of the investigation has been released without charge.

Detectives named the infant Callum after the Callands district of Warrington where he was found dead, as his identity could not be confirmed.

A burial and 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."