Young couple appear in court accused of neglect over the death of their one-month-old son

  • Danni Knowler, 19, and James Lomas, 20, are accused of cruelty to newborn son 
  • Freddie Lomas died at four weeks due to 'assault and neglect', court was told
  • The couple were released on unconditional bail by Judge Philip 

By Katie French For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

Pictured: Danni Knowler outside Maidstone Crown Court today 

Pictured: Danni Knowler outside Maidstone Crown Court today 

A young couple have appeared in court following the death of their month-old son.

Danni Knowler, 19, and 20-year-old James Lomas are accused of cruelty to newborn Freddie Lomas between October 6 and November 11, 2016.

It is alleged they wilfully assaulted, ill-treated, neglected, abandoned or exposed the baby in a manner likely to cause him unnecessary suffering or injury to health.

Knowler and Lomas appeared at Maidstone Crown Court in Kent today and were expected to enter their pleas to the one charge.

But the case, described as ‘obviously sensitive’, was adjourned at the request of all parties.

The couple stood apart in the dock. 

Knowler, of Maidstone, Kent, and Lomas, of Aylesford near Maidstone, both looked anxious and spoke only to confirm their names.

No details as to how Freddie died were revealed during the brief hearing.

The couple were released on unconditional bail by Judge Philip

St John-Stevens until their next court appearance on June 11.

They were told however that their trial is unlikely to be heard before October. No date was fixed but it is expected to last five days.  

Pictured: James Lomas, aged 20, seen smoking outside Maidstone Crown Court today following a hearing 

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