Parents Charged with Murder of Newborn at Yeovil Hospital
The parents of a two-week-old baby have appeared in court accused of murdering their newborn while he was under hospital care.
Brendon Staddon tragically died on March 5 at Yeovil District Hospital, where he was receiving treatment.
Mother and Father Face Serious Charges
Daniel Gunter, 25, and Sophie Staddon, 20, both charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. During their Bristol Crown Court hearing today, Gunter denied the charges, while Staddon refused to enter a plea. Their trial is provisionally set for November 11 and expected to last two weeks.
The charges claim that as members of Brendon’s household, Gunter and Staddon either caused the baby’s death or failed to protect him from a significant risk of serious harm.
Investigation Underway, Parents Remanded in Custody
Both Gunter and Staddon have been remanded in custody and will return to court in July.
Avon and Somerset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team launched an inquiry after Brendon’s death. Detective Inspector Mark Newbury said, “This is a particularly tragic case in which a very young baby has died, and our thoughts are with Brendon’s loved ones during this time.”
The investigation continues with full cooperation from the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and hospital staff.
