A Merseyside couple have been charged after their one-year-old son, Maero Johnson, died in hospital on 23 August 2023. A Home Office post-mortem found severe malnutrition and ketotic hypoglycaemia. Adam Johnson (26) and Kylie Smith (25) face charges including causing or allowing the death, child neglect and possession of cannabis. Police say a second child in the home was found neglected and under-developed; the case remains under investigation.
Merseyside Parents Charged After One-Year-Old Dies of Severe Malnutrition
Maero Johnson was a year old when he died of severe malnutrition [BBC]
Two parents have been charged following the death of their one-year-old son in Merseyside.
Maero Johnson, a one-year-old from St Helens, died in hospital on 23 August 2023. Merseyside Police said a Home Office post-mortem concluded the cause of death was severe malnutrition and ketotic hypoglycaemia, a condition that indicates a serious lack of food.
Adam Johnson, 26, and Kylie Smith, 25, have both been charged with causing or allowing the death of a child. They are also charged with child neglect and possession of cannabis. Johnson is reported to live on Hempstead Close and Smith on Holly Bank Street.
Police added that a second child in the household was found to be neglected and under-developed; that child’s welfare is the subject of ongoing inquiries. The couple are due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Thursday 13 August.
Investigation and next steps:
Merseyside Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. No further details about court proceedings or additional charges have been released at this time.
If anyone has information relevant to the case, Merseyside Police request they come forward through the usual contact channels.
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