Man accused of murdering baby son appears in court

A father accused of murdering his baby son six years ago has appeared in court.

Niall Worsfold, of Farrow Road in Leeds, appeared before the city's crown court via videolink from prison earlier.

The 29-year-old has also been charged with one count of child cruelty, West Yorkshire Police said. He was not asked to enter pleas to the charges.

A trial, expected to last up to four weeks, was scheduled to start on 22 February next year.

The police said the baby, whose name has not been released, died in hospital aged one month on 10 July 2020 after being admitted six days earlier from an address in Lincombe Drive, Gledhow.

Worsfold was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Leeds Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 7 September.

Judge Howard Crowson told him: "The prosecution will make sure all evidence is available to your lawyers by 24 August.

"I think you already know what's alleged against you in pretty clear terms."

Police said a 25-year-old woman, who was arrested as part of the investigation, has been released with no further action.

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