A COUPLE from Ingol appeared before Preston Magistrates charged with the manslaughter of a 22-month-old baby.

Wayne Michael Hassall, aged 24, and Samantha Jane Edwards, aged 23, both of Barry Avenue, Ingol, were charged with manslaughter and wilful neglect on December 9 last year. The alleged neglect was said to have taken place between March 1 and October 24 1997. Baby Kirk Edwards died between October 23/24.

All charges will be dealt with at Preston Crown Court where the couple will next appear on February 27.

They were both granted unconditional bail.

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