Parents in court over death of one-year-old boy
Adam Johnson and Kylie Smith are accused of causing or allowing the death of Maero Johnson
A man and a woman charged over the death of their one-year-old son have made their first appearance in court.
Adam Johnson, 26, and Kylie Smith, 25, of St Helens, Merseyside, are accused of causing or allowing the death of Maero Johnson three years ago.
The defendants appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Thursday when they did not enter any pleas as the case was adjourned until next month
Both also face an allegation of child neglect.
Smith indicated “firm” not guilty pleas to the two counts she faces, the court heard.
Johnson is further charged with possession of cannabis.
The pair were granted unconditional bail ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on September 10.
Merseyside Police previously stated a post-mortem examination confirmed Maero died in August 2023 of ketotic hypoglycaemia and severe malnutrition.