A man and woman will go to trial this summer in connection with the death of a County Durham toddler.

Michael Daymond, 26, and Dana Carr, 24, will go to trial at Teesside Crown Court in June, with each facing charges that are connected to the death of Maya Chappell.

Daymond faces a charge of murder and a charge of child cruelty, with Carr also facing a charge of child cruelty, as well as a charge of allowing a child to die in her care. The pair, both formerly of Shotton Colliery, were not required to attend the short mention hearing on Friday afternoon, with legal counsel appearing instead.

Read more: Pair appear at court in connection with death of Maya Chappell in Shotton Colliery

The trial, which has a time slot of 18 days, is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 7 and was set by Judge Howard Crowson. Both Daymond and Carr will return to the court on that date when a jury will likely be sworn in.

Two-year-old Maya Louise Chappell died in hospital in September, two days after being found in a critical condition at a home. Following Maya's death, a sea of toys and tributes could be seen outside the home where she was found. Teddy bears, balloons, and stuffed animals were placed on the kerb, along with flowers, cards and pictures.

Daymond has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance, with Carr being granted conditional bail.

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