A mother and father have denied causing the death of their one-year-old son, who died of ‘severe malnutrition’.
Police were called after Maero Johnson was rushed to hospital, where he died in the early hours of August 23, 2023 despite the best efforts of staff.
The baby died of ketotic hypoglycemia and severe malnutrition Home office postmortem previously confirmed.
The condition is usually caused by long periods without food or a viral illness. It usually affects toddlers and young children.
A second child was also found Merseyside Police officers, who were reportedly ‘neglected and underdeveloped’.
Adam Johnson, 26, and Kylie Smith, 25, from St Helens, Merseyside, were charged in connection with the death of Maero Johnson three years ago.
Kylie Smith, 25, was charged in connection with the death of Maero Johnson three years ago, which she denies
Adam Johnson, 26, from St Helens, has also been charged with the same offence, which he also denies
Police were called after Maero Johnson (pictured) was rushed to hospital, where he died despite the best efforts of staff in the early hours of August 23, 2023.
The defendants appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, where their trial, expected to last four to six weeks, was due to take place on April 19.
Smith, wearing a white polo shirt and with her hair in a long braid, and Johnson both pleaded not guilty to causing or permitting the death of a child between June 5, 2023 and August 24, 2023.
They also denied two counts of cruelty to a person under 16.
Johnson, wearing a shirt and with facial hair, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis.
The pair were granted unconditional bail ahead of a pre-trial hearing on April 5, 2027.
