THE step-father of a 14-month-old baby boy who died on Wednesday appeared in court today charged with murder.

Richard Anthony Baxter, 30, of Hodges House, Central Mews, Middlesbrough, was remanded in custody by Teesside magistrates until September 6, when the case will be heard at Teesside Crown Court.

Paula Moore, the 21-year-old mother of the toddler, is on bail pending further police inquiries.

The baby, who was today named as Jake Baxter, died after reportedly falling from a settee in the flat in central Middlesbrough. Jake was taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital but died afterwards.