Samara Glover has denied murdering toddler Jayla-Jean McLaren as she appeared alongside co-defendant Adrian Lawton at Portsmouth Crown Court today (Wednesday).
27-year-old Glover, of Dairy Crest Drive in Newport but now being held at HMP Bronzefield, pleaded not guilty to murder during a pre-trial review before His Honour Judge Bowes KC.
31-year-old Lawton, also of Dairy Crest Drive, appeared alongside Glover in person for today’s hearing, although the pair did not take a single glance at one another. He had already pleaded not guilty to murder during a hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court back in May.
The case relates to the death of innocent 18-month-old Jayla-Jean McLaren. It was during the early hours of 1st August last year that the toddler was rushed from her home on Dairy Crest Drive to St Mary’s Hospital with serious injuries.
She was later transferred by air to Southampton General Hospital for specialist treatment but, tragically, despite the efforts of those involved in her care, Jayla-Jean died in hospital on 3rd August as a result of serious head injuries.
Glover and Lawton, who had caring responsibility for Jayla-Jean, were initially arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent but were subsequently re-arrested on suspicion of murder as the investigation progressed.
Following several months of investigation work by detectives, Glover and Lawton were both charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.
At today’s hearing, the case was adjourned ahead of the trial, which is due to begin on 8th February 2027 at Portsmouth Crown Court. The trial is expected to last up to 6 weeks.
Glover, who appeared in the dock with styled hair and in a summer skirt, has been remanded in custody alongside Lawton, who appeared gaunt in prison-issued blue clothing.
Both will next appear in court in November for a pre-trial review hearing.
