Woman Charged With Murder After Newborn Baby's Body Gets Discovered In Back Garden

Sarah Jayne Barron, 34, will be appearing at Taunton Magistrates' court after being charged with murder. This was following the discovery of the dead body of a newborn baby in the back garden of the home in Weston-super-Mare on Dec. 12, 2020.

A distressed search for the baby's mother was launched by the police amid fears that she could be hurt. It was later confirmed that she had been found and taken to the hospital. Officers explained that the baby's death was considered unexplained at the time, reports said.

On Wednesday, Oct. 5, Ms. Barron appeared at the Bristol Crown Court and was granted conditional bail by Judge Peter Blair KC, the recorder of Bristol. She was told she would face a plea and trial preparation hearing on November 4.

According to Avon and Somerset Police, a man who had previously been arrested in connection with the investigation has been released without charge with no further action being taken.

The investigation is being led by Detective Superintendent Gary Haskins who 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 throughout, resulting in the authorization to charge a woman with one count of murder."

Iain Jenkins, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "The CPS has authorized a charge of murder in relation to the death of a newborn baby on December 4, 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."

He then concluded by stressing the importance of avoiding any sort of reporting or information sharing which could prejudice the proceedings.