Trial date for woman accused of 1998 baby murder

A burial and a funeral service for the infant were arranged by local people

A woman charged with the murder of a baby found in woodland 26 years ago could face trial early next year.

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.

Joanne Sharkey, 54, of Denham Close, Croxteth, Liverpool, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court charged with murder and concealment of the birth of a child between 1 March and 14 March 1998.

A provisional date for a trial has been set for January 2025.

Two-week trial

Wearing a dark grey sweatshirt, and with her brown hair tied back in a ponytail, Ms Sharkey spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth.

She appeared on a video link from Styal prison.

Her barrister Rebecca Filletti did not apply for bail but the court heard there could be a bail application next week.

Ms Sharkey was further remanded in custody, with 25 July set as the date for her to return to enter pleas.

Judge Andrew Menary, KC, the Recorder of Liverpool, fixed a provisional date of 14 January 2025 for her trial, which is expected to last two weeks.

Members of the police investigation team were present in court for the hearing.

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

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, bore an inscription dedicated to "Baby Callum, precious child of God".

It added the child was "laid to rest July 27, 1998, with love, from the people of Warrington".