An Isle of Wight man has denied murdering 18-month-old Jayla-Jean McLaren during a hearing at Portsmouth Crown Court today (Thursday).
Adrian Lawton, 31, of Dairy Crest Drive in Newport, pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.
A second defendant, 27-year-old Samara Glover, also of Dairy Crest Drive, entered no plea to the same charges.
The pair appeared before His Honour Judge Bowes KC.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Jayla-Jean died at Southampton General Hospital on 3rd August last year after being taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries just days before.
Lawton and Glover have spent several months remanded in custody since their arrest.
The case has been adjourned, with the matter to be heard next on 16th July.
