Woman in court over death of baby found in 1998

Local people arranged a burial and a funeral service for the infant

A woman has appeared in court charged with the murder of a baby found in woodland 26 years ago.

The boy, who was given the name Callum by police, was discovered in a bin bag close to the Gulliver’s World theme park in Warrington, Cheshire, in March 1998.

Detectives launched a murder investigation but no arrests were made until a man and woman were detained in July 2023.

Joanne Sharkey, of West Derby in Liverpool, appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court earlier charged with murder and concealment of the birth of a child.

Wearing a brown sweatshirt and with brown hair tied up in a short ponytail, she spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth and address.

She appeared to be shaking as she stood in the dock.

Ms Sharkey, of Denham Close, was remanded in custody and is due to appear before Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday.

Chairman of the magistrates bench Fraser Geekie said: “These proceedings are too serious for this court to deal with.”

Ms Sharkey was arrested in July 2023 along with a man who has since been released without charge, Cheshire Police have said.

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

'Emotional case'

A burial and funeral service were arranged by local residents and he was buried in Warrington Cemetery a few months later.

The headstone, which was paid for with money raised by the community, was inscribed “Baby Callum, precious child of God. Laid to rest July 27, 1998. With love, from the people of Warrington".

Det Insp 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.”

Additional reporting by PA Media

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