The parents of a one-year-old boy who died from severe malnutrition have appeared in court charged with causing or allowing his death.
Maero Johnson died after being rushed to hospital in August 2023. A Home Office post-mortem later confirmed the cause of death as severe malnutrition and ketonic hypoglycaemia.
Charges and allegations
Adam Johnson, 26, and Kylie Smith, 25, both of Hempstead Close in St Helens, are charged with causing or allowing the death of a child and child neglect. Johnson is also charged with possession of cannabis.
Charge sheets state that between June 5, 2023 and August 24, 2023, the defendants were “aware that there was a significant risk of serious physical harm being caused to” Maero “by the unlawful act of a member of his household”. They are also accused of “failing to take reasonable steps to protect him from that risk”.
Court appearance
Appearing before Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, they spoke only to confirm their names, addresses and dates of birth and were not asked to enter pleas. The case was sent to Liverpool Crown Court, where they will appear on September 10.
Colin Rawson, representing Smith, told the court there would be a “firm not guilty plea to both matters” on behalf of his client, who wore a white polo shirt and jeans in the dock. Both were released on unconditional bail.
Police statement
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 August 23 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.”
The statement added: “A Home Office post-mortem confirmed Maero died of ketonic hypoglycaemia and severe malnutrition. 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 or allowing the death of a child, child neglect and possession of a controlled class B drug, cannabis.”
