The parents of a one-year-old boy who died from severe malnutrition have denied causing or allowing his death, as their case moves towards trial.
Maero Johnson was rushed to hospital after police were called, but despite efforts by medical staff, the young boy died in the early hours of August 23, 2023.
A Home Office postmortem found that Maero died from ketotic hypoglycaemia and severe malnutrition. Ketotic hypoglycaemia can occur after prolonged periods without food or during a viral illness and is most commonly seen in toddlers and young children.
Merseyside Police also found a second child who was described as “neglected and underdeveloped.”
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Kylie Smith, 25, was charged in connection with the death of Maero Johnson three years ago, which she denies
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Adam Johnson, 26, of St Helens, has also been charged for the same crime, which he also denies
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Police were called after Maero Johnson (pictured) was rushed to hospital, where despite the best efforts of staff he passed away in the early hours of August 23, 2023
Parents deny charges
Adam Johnson, 26, and Kylie Smith, 25, both from St Helens, Merseyside, were charged in connection with Maero’s death three years ago.
The couple appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, where both pleaded not guilty to causing or allowing 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.
Smith appeared in court wearing a white polo shirt, with her hair in a long plait, while Johnson wore a shirt and had facial hair.
Johnson separately pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing cannabis.
Trial expected to last up to six weeks
The case is expected to go to trial on April 19, with proceedings anticipated to last between four and six weeks.
The pair were granted unconditional bail and are due to return for a pre-trial hearing on April 5, 2027.
The case concerns the circumstances surrounding Maero’s death in August 2023 and the allegations relating to the care of the children. Both parents deny the charges of causing or allowing their son’s death and cruelty.