A SOMERSET woman has been charged in the early hours of today (Tuesday, October 4) with the murder of a newborn baby.

Sarah Jayne Barron, 34, of Weston-super-Mare, is due to appear Taunton Magistrates' Court later today.

Avon and Somerset Police and the Crown Prosecution Service agreed to charge Barron following an investigation into the discovery of the body of the baby in a private garden in Weston-super-Mare on the morning of December 12, 2020.

A man, who had previously been arrested in connection with the investigation has been released without charge, with no further action being taken against him.

Senior Investigating Officer Det Supt Gary Haskins, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “This is a significant development in what has been a complex and sensitive investigation.

"We know this update will impact on the local community where the incident happened, and we’d encourage anyone with concerns or worries to speak to their local neighbourhood policing team.

“We’ve worked closely with our colleagues at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) throughout, resulting in the authorisation to charge a woman with one count of murder.”

Iain Jenkins, Senior Crown Prosecutor with the CPS South West Complex Casework Unit, said: “The CPS has authorised a charge of murder in relation to the death a newborn baby on 4 December 2020.

“The authority to charge follows a detailed investigation by the Avon and Somerset Major Crime Investigation Team, which has been supported by the CPS Complex Casework Unit.

"An extensive review of all the evidence led to us concluding that our legal tests to commence a prosecution were met.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that they have the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”