Parents accused of baby's murder in Staffordshire will not be giving evidence on witness stand
The parents of a baby allegedly murdered will not be giving evidence from the witness stand at Stafford Crown Court, the jury has been told.
The trial is drawing to a close over the death of five-week-old Darcy-Leigh Jefferson, who was found not breathing properly at an address in Hudson Drive, Burntwood, in March 2022 and later died from a catastrophic brain injury. Her parents Amy Clark, aged 34 and of Lichfield, and Sean Jefferson, aged 35 and of Walsall, have been on trial since January accused of murdering her.
Giving legal directions on Thursday the trial judge Mrs Justice Brunner KC said: "Sean Jefferson and Amy Clark chose not to give evidence. That is their right." She also told the jury that the failure to give evidence as part of their defence case should not held against the defendants.
The judge also said: "This case is dealing with the death of a baby which will feature strong emotions - but you must keep a cool head."
