Woman charged with murder of 'baby Callum' is released on bail

A woman accused of the murder of a baby boy in Cheshire in 1998 has been granted bail.

Joanne Sharkey is accused of the murder of a baby boy, named 'baby Callum by police, 26 years ago. The baby's remains were found in woodland close to the Gulliver's World theme park in Warrington. A dog walker discovered him, a few hours old, wrapped in a plastic bag on March 14th 1998.

Ms Sharkey, of of West Derby, Liverpool, has been accused of murder and concealment of the birth of a child. Today (April 23), the 54-year-old was granted conditional bail following an application, heard in private, at Liverpool Crown Court.

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The defendant, of Denham Close, did not attend the hearing. A plea hearing is due to take place on July 25 and a provisional trial date has been fixed for January 14 next year.

Ms Sharkey was arrested in July 2023. A man was also arrested as part of the investigation but has since been released without charge, Cheshire Police said.

The baby was named 'Callum' by officers after the Callands district of Warrington where he was found, because detectives could not confirm his true identity. A funeral service was arranged by local people and he was buried in Warrington Cemetery a few months later.

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

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