British man remanded on baby murder charge

A man appeared in court in Britain today charged with the murder of a 15-month-old boy.

Darren Newton (aged 31) from Warwick Drive, Earby, Lancashire, is charged with murder and 26 child cruelty offences following the boy’s death on November 19.

Newton, who according to sources is the boyfriend of the child’s mother, was remanded into custody during today’s hearing at Burnley Magistrates’ Court, Lancashire Police said.

He is due before Preston Crown Court on December 23.

The boy’s 29-year-old mother and a 15-year-old female babysitter, both from Earby, were arrested on suspicion of murder last month but have now been released without charge.

A police spokesman said the child was pronounced dead after being admitted to Airedale Hospital in Keighley on November 19.