Woman charged with murder of baby 26 years ago

Police search the woods after the discovery of the baby in 1998

A woman has been charged with the murder of a baby boy found dead in Cheshire more than 25 years ago.

Joanne Sharkey, 54, will appear in court tomorrow after the body of the infant was discovered in a bin bag in an area of woodland in Callands, Warrington, in March 1998.

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

Ms Sharkey, from West Derby in Liverpool, had been on bail since then but was re-arrested and charged on Monday.

The baby was given the name ‘Callum’ after his death as his identity could not be confirmed.

Local people arranged to bury the baby and a service was held at the time

Local people arranged a burial and a funeral service was held at the time.

Det insp Hannah Friend, from the force’s Major Crime Review Team, described the case as “extremely emotional”.

However she said: “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.”

The man arrested has since been released without charge and the force said it is not seeking anyone else in connection with the case.

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