Adam Johnson, 26, and Kylie Smith, 25, of St Helens, Merseyside, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday to deny causing or allowing the death of their son, Maero Johnson. The infant died in the early hours of August 23, 2023, after being rushed to the hospital. A Home Office postmortem confirmed the cause of death as ketotic hypoglycaemia and severe malnutrition, conditions typically caused by prolonged periods without food or a viral illness, most commonly affecting young children.

The couple also denied two counts of cruelty to a person under 16. The charges stem from events alleged to have occurred between June 5, 2023, and August 24, 2023. During the court appearance, Johnson also pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing cannabis.

Police were called to the residence after Maero Johnson was taken to the hospital. At the time of the incident, officers also found a second child who was reported to be neglected and underdeveloped.

Kylie Smith, 25, was charged in connection with the death of Maero Johnson three years ago, which she denies

Johnson and Smith were granted unconditional bail pending a pre-trial hearing scheduled for April 5, 2027. Their trial, expected to last between four to six weeks, has been listed for April 19, 2027.

Adam Johnson, 26, of St Helens, has also been charged for the same crime, which he also denies