Two people have appeared in court following the death of a one-year-old toddler.
Chris Stockton denies the murder of Charlie Roberts.
The 37-year-old and the child’s mother, Paula Roberts, 40, are both charged with child neglect.
Charlie died the day after an incident at their home in Frosterley Drive, Darlington, on Friday, January 12, which left him critically injured. He died in hospital the following day.
The pair appeared at Teesside Crown Court this afternoon for a plea and trial preparation hearing where the defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Judge Howard Crowson told the defendants that they will next appear in court on July 24 for a further case management hearing.
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Durham Constabulary attended the scene last month with medics from the North East Ambulance Service and the Great North Air Ambulance Service, which landed on the green at Alexandra Street.
Roberts, of Surtees Street, Darlington, was granted conditional bail.
They are both due to appear at the same court for a three-week trial on October 2 this year in front of a High Court judge.
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