Woman charged with murder in connection with the death of baby ‘Callum’

Detectives investigating the murder of a baby in Warrington in 1998 have charged a woman in connection with the incident.

Baby ‘Callum’ was discovered in woodland in the Callands area of the town in March 1998.

A murder investigation was subsequently launched by detectives from Cheshire Police.

In July 2023 police arrested a man and a woman from Liverpool in relation to the incident, the pair were subsequently released on bail.

Today, Monday 15 April 2024,  police rearrested the 54-year-old woman and the Crown Prosecution Service has now authorised Cheshire Police to charge Joanne Sharkey, of West Derby, in Liverpool with murder.

She has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 16 April.

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.”

The man who was arrested as part of the investigation has since been released without charge. Officers are not looking for anyone else in relation to the death.