THE mother of a two-week-old baby who died at Yeovil District Hospital earlier this year has pleaded not guilty to his murder.

Sophie Staddon, 20, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Brendon Staddon at Bristol Crown Court on October 4.

She also pleaded not guilty to causing or allowing the baby’s death by being a member of his household and failing to protect him from a foreseeable significant risk of serious harm.

Daniel Gunter, 25, also stands accused of both charges. He entered not guilty pleas to both at a previous appearance at the court in April.

Brendon Staddon was born prematurely at Yeovil District Hospital on February 20. He died in the hospital on March 5.

A trial had been set for November 18 but that date has now been vacated. A case management hearing will take place on April 16.

Judge Blair KC, the recorder of Bristol, said the defendants would continue to be remanded in custody. The custody time limit will expire on November 22.

Charles Row KC appeared for the prosecution and Adam Vaitilingam KC represented Ms Staddon.