15 April 2024 , 22:11
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Joanne Sharkey, of West Derby in Liverpool, will appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, charged over the death of the baby, named Callum by officers, found in 1998
A woman is to appear in court accused of murdering a baby whose body was found in woodland over a quarter of a century ago.
The body of baby Callum - as named by police - was discovered in woods in Callands in Warrington, Cheshire, in March 1990. Police announced on Monday that Joanne Sharkey was charged with the infant’s murder.
The 54-year-old from West Derby, Liverpool, is to appear before Warrington magistrates’ court on Tuesday. Cheshire Police has described the case as "extremely emotional", but urged people not to speculate.
Detective Inspector Hannah Friend, of Cheshire Police’s Major Crime Review Team, 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.”
A man was arrested in July 2023 but has since been released without charge, Cheshire Police said.