Woman appears in court accused of murdering newborn baby found strangled near Warrington theme park 26 years ago

A WOMAN has appeared in court accused of murdering a newborn baby who was found strangled near a theme park 26 years ago.

The baby, named as Callum, was discovered in woodland in Warrington, Cheshire, in March 1998.

Joanne Sharkey appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court today charged with murder and concealment of a child.

The 54-year-old, who appeared to be shaking in the dock, spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth and address during the brief hearing.

Sharkey, of Liverpool, was remanded into custody to next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday.

The horror unfolded in the Callands area of Warrington when the tot was discovered wrapped in plastic near Gulliver’s World theme park.

He is believed to have only been a few hours old when he was strangled and beaten over the head.

A murder investigation was launched and the baby was named by police as Callum.

The baby was buried with no family members in Warrington Cemetery with a headstone reading: "Baby Callum, a precious child of God.

"With the love from the people of Warrington."

Two people - Sharkey and a man from Liverpool - were arrested in July 2023 following a fresh appeal.

The male suspect was released without charge and officers are not looking for anyone else in relation to the death.

Detective Inspector Hannah Friend, of Cheshire Police’s Major Crime Review Team, said:

“I understand that this is an extremely emotional case which has attracted a lot of attention over the past twenty-six years, however I would ask people not to speculate.

“Criminal proceedings are now active against Joanne Sharkey, and she has the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”