A mother and father have been charged over the death of their one-year-old son after a post-mortem examination found he died from ketonic hypoglycaemia and severe malnutrition. Adam Johnson, 26, and Kylie Smith, 25, have both been charged with causing or allowing the death of a child following the death of Maero Johnson in St Helens. Merseyside Police said the one-year-old was taken to hospital shortly after midnight on August 23, 2023. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Maero died. A Home Office post-mortem examination subsequently found that his cause of death was ketonic hypoglycaemia – a condition involving low blood sugar – and severe malnutrition.
Second child found ‘neglected and underdeveloped’
Police launched an investigation following Maero’s death. During enquiries, a second child was found to have been neglected and underdeveloped, according to Merseyside Police. Johnson, of Hempstead Close, St Helens, and Smith, of Holly Bank Street, St Helens, have now each been charged with causing or allowing the death of a child. The pair have also been charged with child neglect and possession of a controlled Class B drug, cannabis.
Pair due before Liverpool Magistrates’ Court
Merseyside Police said in a statement: “Two parents have been charged following the death of their child three years ago in St Helens. “Just after midnight on 23 August 2023, we received a report that a one-year-old boy, Maero Johnson, had been taken to hospital. “But despite medical staff’s best efforts he sadly passed away. “A Home Office postmortem confirmed Maero died of ketonic hypoglycaemia and severe malnutrition. “A second child was found to be neglected and underdeveloped.” The force added: “Adam Johnson, 26 years, of Hempstead Close in St Helens, and Kylie Smith, 25 years, of Holly Bank Street in St Helens, have been charged with causing/allowing the death of a child, child neglect and possession of a controlled Class B drug, cannabis.” Johnson and Smith are due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 13. Criminal proceedings are now active.
