Mother Pleads Not Guilty to Murder of Newborn Son

Sophie Staddon, 20, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of her two-week-old son, Brendon Staddon, who died in hospital earlier this year. Staddon appeared at Bristol Crown Court on October 4, where she also denied the charge of causing or allowing the death of a child.

Brendon was born prematurely at 33 weeks on February 20 and tragically passed away at Yeovil District Hospital on March 5. The circumstances surrounding his death have led to serious legal repercussions for both Staddon and her partner, Daniel Gunter, 25, who is also charged with the same offences.

Gunter entered not guilty pleas to the charges during a previous court appearance in April. Both defendants, who are currently without a fixed address, remain in custody as the case progresses.

A case management hearing is scheduled for April 2025, as confirmed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The case has garnered significant public interest, with many closely following developments in what has become a complex and sensitive legal matter.