Couple in court over toddler death

Christian Blewitt was in the care of Sandwell Social Services when he was admitted to Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley on 8 December.

He died four days later at the Diana, Princess of Wales Children's Hospital in Birmingham.

Ian and Angela Gay, from Bromsgrove, appeared before magistrates in Redditch on Friday accused of killing Christian.

Unemployed Mr Gay, 36, and his 37-year-old wife, Angela, who is a self-employed actuary, were flanked by two security guards in the dock.

Mrs Gay's parents sat at the back of the court.

During the 40-minute hearing, the couple spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth and address.

They were granted conditional bail and the case was committed to Worcester Crown Court for a plea and directions hearing on 8 August.