Two charged with preventing burial in Southend court appearance
Investigation continues into child’s death in Kenway
Last updated 10th Aug 2026
Two individuals have appeared at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates’ Court charged with preventing the lawful burial of a child’s body following a Crime and Public Protection Command investigation.
The investigation commenced after social services expressed concerns for a child's welfare.
Police officers discovered the body of a child at an address in Kenway, Southend, on Thursday 7th August.
Sophie Dean, 31, of Coates House, Kenway, Southend, and James Thorpe, 32, of Frobisher Way, Shoeburyness, were arrested.
Subsequently, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges against both for preventing a lawful burial between 3rd July 2025 and 6th August 2026.
Thorpe faces an additional charge for obstructing a constable during the execution of their duty.
Both defendants were remanded in custody and will next appear at Basildon Crown Court on 7th September.
The investigation into the child’s death is ongoing, led by detectives from the Crime and Public Protection Command.
Authorities encourage anyone with relevant information who has not yet spoken to officers to come forward.