West Midlands woman accused of attempting to murder child to face new trial next year

A woman accused of attempting to murder a child by tampering with his medication is expected to face a new trial next year.

Jurors failed to reach a verdict in the first trial of Emma Jane Williams, 41, at Birmingham Crown Court last month after more than six hours of deliberations.

Williams, of Pype Hayes in Erdington, Birmingham, denies a single count of attempted murder of the boy, who cannot be identified due to a court order, which is alleged to have been committed on the date of her arrest.

Appearing at the crown court on Thursday, Williams, who appeared to wipe her eyes with a tissue in the dock, was told the Crown would be seeking a retrial.

Judge Simon Drew KC told the defendant he was “very sorry” that the first date that was available for the new trial, lasting seven to 10 days, was in March.

He said he would make inquiries as to whether a date in January could be found.

The defendant appeared tearful as she said: “Thank you, your honour.”