Charges dropped against Cleckheaton baby death couple

Lucy Damen, 19 and Daniel David Sheard, 21, pleaded not guilty at Leeds Crown Court on Friday to the manslaughter of Kayleigh Mai Sheard on September 30 last year.

They also denied a second charge of familial homicide by causing or allowing the death of their daughter at their home in Foldings Avenue, Scholes, Cleckheaton knowing she was “at significant risk of serious physical harm.”

Nicholas Campbell QC prosecuting formally offered no evidence on both counts and the Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC directed not guilty verdicts on the pair who had been due to stand trial later this year.

But the court heard that may not be the end of proceedings because inquiries are still ongoing and there may other charges pending, Sheard was released from custody and both defendants were discharged.

After news of the baby’s death last September flowers, balloons, messages and teddies were left near the flat.