A woman has appeared in court in connection with the murder of a baby who was found dead in a woodland in Warrington 26 years ago.
Baby “Callum”, whose true identity remains unknown, was found in March 1998 and named by police after the Callands area where he was discovered.
In July 2023, a man and a woman from Liverpool were arrested in connection to the murder but were released on bail.
Detectives investigating the case rearrested the 54-year-old woman on 15 April 2024.
Joanne Sharkey appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 16 April, charged with murder and concealment of the birth of a child.
The defendant will remain in custody and is set to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday.
Detective Inspector Hannah Friend, of Cheshire Police’s Major Crime Review Team, said: “I understand that this is an extremely emotional case which has attracted a lot of attention over the past twenty-six years, however I would ask people not to speculate.
“Criminal proceedings are now active against Joanne Sharkey, and she has the right to a fair trial.”
Police say they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the crime.
