A WOMAN has pleaded guilty to killing a newborn baby found strangled near a theme park 27 years ago.
The baby, named as Callum, was discovered in woodland in Warrington, Cheshire, in March 1998.
Baby Callum was discovered in woodland in 1998[/caption]
Joanne Sharkey wept as she pleaded not guilty to murder at Liverpool Crown Court today.
The 54-year-old admitted an alternative offence of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and concealing the child’s birth.
Her plea was accepted by the prosecution during the hearing.
Jonas Hankin KC said the killing was “impossible to understand” in the absence of significant mental impairment which had “substantially impaired her ability to form rational judgment and exercise self-control”.
Sharkey was granted conditional bail ahead of sentencing on March 21.
The horror unfolded in the Callands area of Warrington when the tot was discovered wrapped in plastic near Gulliver’s World theme park.
He is believed to have only been a few hours old when he was strangled and beaten over the head.
A murder investigation was launched and the baby was named by police as Callum.
The baby was buried with no family members in Warrington Cemetery with a headstone reading: “Baby Callum, a precious child of God.
“With the love from the people of Warrington.”
Two people – Sharkey and a man from Liverpool – were arrested in July 2023 following a fresh appeal.
The male suspect was released without charge and officers are not looking for anyone else in relation to the death.
Adam Till, from the CPS, said: “This has been a complex case about a baby whose life was unfairly cut short.
“He would have been an adult today and it’s devastating to think of the life he could have had.
“The circumstances of his death have deeply affected everyone who has been involved in this case as well as the wider community.
“We carefully considered and accepted a guilty plea to manslaughter following a thorough review of the psychiatric reports and medical evidence.
“The evidence concluded that Sharkey’s mental state was significantly impaired at the time of the offence due to a medical condition which diminished her criminal responsibility.
“While the outcome of this case will never bring the baby back, we hope it brings a small measure of comfort to everyone who has been affected by this awful case.”
Callum was laid to rest in Warrington Cemetery[/caption]
His body was discovered in woodland near Gulliver’s World[/caption]
