Wolverhampton baby death: Parents in court on sex assault charges
The parents of a baby who died a month after being taken to hospital with serious injuries appeared in court today charged with sex offences and assaulting the youngster.
Unemployed 22-year-old Daniel Sanzone and 18-year-old Zoe Howell, both from Whitburn Close, were arrested on October 26, two days after the 13-day old baby, named today as Joshua, was taken to New Cross Hospital in cardiac arrest.
After spending almost a month in intensive care the baby died on November 21 in hospital. Tests to determine the cause of death are on-going.
The defendants are charged with grievous bodily harm, a sex offence involving the youngster, and allowing serious injury to an infant.
Two women, aged 46 and 32, who were also arrested on suspicion of assault at the time have been eliminated from the investigation.
Today Crown Prosecution Service Spokesman Vinny Bolina said: "We're aware of the death of the child and we are waiting for test results to ascertain the cause of death."
A decision will be made in due course on any potential changes to the charges the pair face.
Howell has been released on bail, while Sanzone is in custody.
The case was adjourned until April 15.
