Adrian Lawton, the 31-year-old accused of murdering innocent 17-month-old Jayla-Jean McLaren, appeared before the Crown Court today (Thursday).
Appearing before Judge Bowes KC at Portsmouth Crown Court this lunchtime, Lawton, now of no fixed abode but previously of Dairy Crest Drive in Newport, spoke only to confirm his name.
The 31-year-old is charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.
It was early on Friday 1st August last year that the youngster was rushed from her home to St Mary’s Hospital with serious injuries, later being transferred to Southampton General Hospital by air for specialist treatment.
Tragically, despite the best efforts of all involved, the youngster died in hospital on Sunday 3rd August due to serious head injuries, sparking an outpour of emotion from the local community.
Earlier this month, 27-year-old Samara Glover, of Dairy Crest Drive in Newport, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court facing the same charges, as previously reported by Island Echo.
Judge Bowes adjourned the case until 19th February, when a further case management hearing will take place.
Both Lawton and Glover are expected to enter a plea on 23rd March.
Lawton has been remanded in custody.
