Man denies preventing lawful burial of boy's body

A man has denied preventing the lawful and decent burial of a child's body for more than a year.

Chester Neil was found dead at an address in Kenway, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, on 7 August after social workers raised concerns about him.

Basildon Crown Court heard his burial was allegedly prevented between 11 April 2025 and 7 August 2026.

James Thorpe, 32, of Frobisher Way, Shoeburyness, will stand trial on 15 March.

The engineer appeared at court via a video link from HMP Chelmsford, where he was remanded in custody afterwards.

His former partner, Sophie Dean, 31, is due to enter a plea to the same offence on 27 October, as well as to a charge of obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty.

Dean, who is seven months pregnant, was remanded at HMP Peterborough after the hearing.

Chester's body was found at her flat in Kenway, where Thorpe was also living despite their separation, the court heard.

The boy's cause of death had not yet been established, prosecutors told the hearing.

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