A dad accused of murdering his baby son in Workington — and also of neglecting the boy before his death — has appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to the allegation.
Reece Martin Kelly, 30, has been charged as part of a Cumbria police investigation into the death of four-month-old Dallas Kelly.
Kelly appeared at Carlisle Crown Court this morning in front of a High Court judge.
One charge he faces alleges that he murdered Dallas on October 19 2021. A second charge alleges cruelty to Dallas and that Kelly deliberately or recklessly ill-treated, neglected and exposed the baby in a manner likely to cause him unnecessary suffering or injury to health.
It is alleged he did so, court papers say, by failing to take him to important medical appointments, by failing to provide adequate parental supervision and care, and by exposing him to harmful substances.
Kelly, of Hunday Court, Workington, pleaded not guilty to both charges as he appeared remotely in court over a video link.
During a 30-minute hearing, wearing a black and white tracksuit top and white T-shirt, Kelly also spoke to confirm his name and that he could both hear and see court proceedings clearly.
Last month a second defendant, 22-year-old Georgia Wright had appeared at the crown court and pleaded not guilty both to the cruelty charge and also to a second count which alleges that she caused or allowed the death of her son Dallas on or before October 19. Her attendance at today’s hearing was excused on the last occasion.
Kelly and Wright had been due to stand trial in front of a Carlisle court jury next month.
However, Mr Justice Christopher Butcher KC concluded, most regrettably, that this should be postponed after hearing that counsel in the case were still seeking to secure expert reports which will be used in evidence.
The case was adjourned to May 31 when the case will come back in front of a judge with a view to securing a new trial listing with a time estimate of around four weeks.
In the meantime, Kelly remains remanded in custody while Wright, of Workington, has previously been granted bail.
- Both Kelly and Wright also deny a second cruelty charge relating to a boy aged two.
