A woman has denied murdering her three-year-old son as well as a charge of child cruelty.
Christina Robinson, of Bracken Court, Ushaw Moor, Durham, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to enter the pleas via a prison video-link.
Read more: Neighbours in shock after death of boy, 3, in County Durham village
In a quiet but clear voice, the 28-year-old answered “Not guilty” to a charge of murdering her son, Dwelaniyah Robinson, and a separate alleged offence of cruelty.
The little boy was taken by ambulance from Robinson’s home to the University Hospital of North Durham on November 5 but could not be saved.
The child cruelty charge relates to the period between September 30 and the youngster’s death, and his mother is accused of assaulting, ill-treating, neglecting or exposing him “in a manner likely to cause Dwelaniyah Robinson unnecessary suffering or injury to health”.
Read more: Details of boy's injuries revealed at inquest hearing
Judge Paul Sloan KC adjourned her trial, which is expected to last three weeks, to October 3 next year.
Read next:
- Tragedy as three-year-old boy dies after incident in County Durham village
- Crime Scene Investigation officers on scene after boy dies in County Durham
- Pictures as forensic teams carry out searches of garden after death of boy
You can subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here