A County Durham mother accused of causing or allowing the death of her baby who was found unresponsive in the bath has appeared in court.

Danielle Massey, 31, was present at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court today (Tuesday, April 16), where she was charged in connection with the death of seven-month-old Charlie Goodall at their home in February 2022.

The Northern Echo: Danielle Massey outside Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' CourtDanielle Massey outside Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Massey, of Raby Terrace, Chilton, made her first appearance in court - confirming her name, and address and agreeing to bail conditions. 

The charge of 'causing or allowing the death of a child' is in connection to seven-month-old Charlie being found unresponsive in the bath on February 16, 2022, when police were called by paramedics to a house on West Chilton Terrace, in Chilton, County Durham.

The Northern Echo: Charlie Goodall Charlie Goodall (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

He was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, but died shortly after arrival.

At the time of the incident, a spokeswoman for Durham Constabulary said: “Police were called to an address in Chilton shortly before 2.30pm today (Wednesday, February 16).

“Paramedics also attended, and a baby was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle.

“Sadly, the baby died shortly after arrival."

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson added at the time: "We received a call at 2.08pm this afternoon (February 16) to reports of an incident at a private address in the Ferryhill area.

"We dispatched two ambulance crews and requested support from the Air Ambulance." 

Read more:

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo here. 

The 31-year-old, who was wearing a striped top, didn't enter any plea.

The case was adjourned until May 14 at Durham Crown Court at 10am, with Massey released on conditional bail in the meantime. 

Following the hearing, Massey left the court under a coat and was bundled into a nearby car.