Joanne Sharkey could stand trial next year accused of the murder of "Baby Callum".

The baby boy's body was discovered in woodland close to Gulliver's World in Warrington more than 26 years ago on March 14, 1998. He was thought to have been only hours old at the time of his death.

Sharkey, of Denham Close in Croxteth, was charged with murdering the youngster earlier this week. The 54-year-old appeared before Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Thursday, via video link to HMP Styal in order to face this charge and a count of concealing the birth of a child.

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Wearing a dark jumper and sporting light brown hair, she spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth during a brief hearing. Sharkey has not yet been asked to enter any pleas, but a trial lasting two weeks was today scheduled to begin on January 14 2025.

She will now appear back before the same court in order to enter a plea on July 25 this year. The Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC remanded her into custody until this date.

Baby Callum was named after the Callands area of the Cheshire town where he was found weighing only 7lb8oz and wrapped in a black plastic bag by a dog walker near to the theme park. His death sparked an investigation which saw the DNA of nearly 500 women tested, including a number of schoolgirls.

Thousands more were interviewed as part of the probe. A funeral service was arranged by residents and attended by around 150 people, including the Mayor of Warrington.

Callum was buried in Warrington Cemetery, being laid to rest in a white coffin surrounded by flowers and children's toys following a ceremony at St Elphin's Church. His headstone, which was paid for with money raised by members of the public, was inscribed: "Baby Callum, precious child of God.

"Laid to rest July 27, 1998. With love, from the people of Warrington."

In July last year, Cheshire Police arrested a man and a woman in connection with Baby Callum's death. Both were subsequently released on baby.

However, Sharkey was rearrested on Monday on suspicion of murder. The man has been released without charge.

Detective Inspector Hannah Friend, of the force's major crime review team, said earlier this week: "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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