Adam Johnson, 26, and Kylie Smith, 25, both of St Helens, Merseyside, have denied causing or allowing the death of their one-year-old son, Maero Johnson. The couple also deny two counts of cruelty to a person under 16. Their trial is scheduled to begin on April 19.
Police were called to the infant's hospital on August 23, 2023, after he was rushed for medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Maero Johnson passed away in the early hours of that day. A Home Office postmortem confirmed the cause of death as ketotic hypoglycaemia and severe malnutrition. This condition is typically associated with prolonged periods without food or a viral illness and most commonly affects young children.
During the court appearance at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, both defendants entered their pleas. Johnson also pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing cannabis.
Authorities also found a second child at the residence who was described as neglected and underdeveloped. Details regarding the condition and status of this child were not immediately available.
The couple were granted unconditional bail. A pre-trial hearing is set for April 5, 2027. The trial is expected to last between four to six weeks.