Man and woman deny murdering one-year-old boy in Leicester
Tobias-John has been described as 'giggly and happy'
A man and woman have appeared in court to deny the murder of a “giggly and happy” one-year-old boy.
Tobias-John Doyle, aged 21 months, died in hospital on December 2 2023 after being taken there on November 29 from an address in Mulberry Avenue, Leicester.
Omiel Gordon, 35, of Butterwick Drive, and Shalom Morgan, 23, of Morledge Street, both in Leicester, were first arrested in November 2023 and appeared at the city’s Crown Court on Friday after being charged in April.
They denied one count each of murder, causing or allowing the death of a child and cruelty to a person under the age of 16.
The pair are expected to face a trial, lasting eight weeks, in front of a High Court judge on January 25 next year.
Judge Timothy Spencer KC told Gordon and Morgan they would next have to appear in court in October.
He said: “You are both in a very serious position, I think you both know that.
“You will both stand trial for murder on Monday January 25.
“You will be back before me on October 23 when we will see how this case is shaping up.
“You will both be brought before me. Until then, you will both remain in custody. Go down.”
In a tribute released through Leicestershire Police in April after Gordon and Morgan were charged, Tobias’ father Simon Doyle said his son put a smile on everyone’s face.
He said: “Tobias was my best friend.
“He was a giggly, happy little boy who put a smile on everyone’s face.
“He had the most beautiful chubby cheeks and curly hair and he absolutely loved dinosaurs.
“We love him and miss him so much.”