All we know about Baby Callum as murder accused appears in court

The body of a baby boy was discovered in woodland in Callands in March 1998.

A suspect has this week been arrested, charged, and remanded in custody to appear in court

Here is everything we know regarding the murder investigation and Baby Callum.

What happened 26 years ago?

In the late morning of March 14, 1998, the body of a baby boy was found in wooded areas in Callands near to Gulliver’s World Theme Park.

Police searching the scene (Image: Newsquest)

He was named Baby Callum after the area of Warrington in which he was found.

Baby Callum was born weighing just 7lb8oz hours before his body was discovered by a dog walker at 11am that day.

He would have only been a few hours old when he died.

What has happened since then?

As reported last year, officers arrested a man and a woman last July in relation to the murder of Baby Callum.

The pair were subsequently released on bail, but the woman, aged 54, was rearrested yesterday, Monday, on suspicion of murder.

Residents helped to give Callum a proper send-off (Image: Warrington Guardian)

Last night, Cheshire Police confirmed that the Crown Prosecution Service had authorised detectives to charge Joanne Sharkey with murder.

She was remanded in custody to appear before Warrington Magistrates’ Court today, Tuesday.

The man who was arrested as part of the investigation has since been released without charge.

The force has confirmed that officers are not looking for anyone else in relation to the death.

What happened today in court?

The 54-year-old, of Denham Close in West Derby, Liverpool, appeared in court this morning to face charges of murder and concealment of the birth of a child.

A fundraiser helped to pay for his headstone (Image: Warrington Guardian)

Sharkey, who has brown hair which she wore in a ponytail, spoke to confirm her name, date of birth, and address. She appeared to be shaking as she was in court.

Addressing Sharkey, who wore a brown jumper, the chair of the magistrates’ bench, Fraser Geekie, said: “These proceedings are too serious to deal with here.

“Your next appearance will be at Liverpool Crown Court, and that will be on Thursday, April 18.

“Between now and then, you will be remanded in custody.”

The hearing lasted three minutes.

What has the officer in charge said?

A funeral was held for Baby Callum (Image: Warrington Guardian)

DI Hannah Friend, of Cheshire Police’s Major Crime Review Team, said: “I understand that this is an extremely emotional case which has attracted a lot of attention over the past 26 years, however I would ask people not to speculate.

“Criminal proceedings are now active against Joanne Sharkey, and she has the right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

What happened after the body was found?

Wrapped in a black plastic bin bag on land near to Gulliver’s World, his death sparked a murder investigation and sent shockwaves across Warrington.

The DNA of nearly 500 women was tested during the police probe, including that of many schoolgirls, but these tests failed to find a match.

Crime scene investigators following Callum's death (Image: Warrington Guardian)

Thousands more people were interviewed to assist the investigation

How did residents help at the time?

Residents rallied following the disturbing discovery, raising more than £800 to pay for a headstone engraved with a shepherd.

This was to be used when Callum was buried at Warrington Cemetery on Manchester Road more than four months later.

It was inscribed: “Baby Callum, precious child of God. Laid to rest July 27, 1998. With love, from the people of Warrington.”

He was laid to rest in a white coffin following a moving ceremony at St Elphin's Church in Howley.

More than 150 people – including the town mayor – paid their respects before he was buried in a small grave, surrounded by flowers and children's toys.