Trial date set for woman charged with the murder of 18-month-old girl on Isle of Wight

Samara Glover, of Newport is charged with the murder of Jayla-Jean McLaren

Author: Ben Mitchell, Press AssociationPublished 3rd Feb 2026

A trial date has been set for a 27-year-old woman charged with the murder of an 18-month-old girl on the Isle of Wight.

Samara Glover, of Newport, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court to face charges of murder of Jayla-Jean McLaren and causing or allowing the death of a child.

Judge Michael Bowes KC set the trial, estimated to last three weeks, to start on June 29 with a plea and trial preparation hearing on March 23.

He told the defendant: "At this stage I am adjourning your case until 23rd March and at this stage you are remanded in custody."

Jayla-Jean died in hospital on August 3 2025 after being taken there with serious injuries on August 1, according to Hampshire Constabulary.

A 31-year-old man, also from Newport, was previously arrested on suspicion of murder, causing or allowing the death of a child, and causing assault/ill treatment/neglect/abandonment of a child/young person to cause unnecessary suffering/injury.

He has been released on conditional bail until April 27.

In a statement previously issued through police, the girl's family said: "Mummy, daddy, and nanny will always love you. Fly high princess."

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