Child death: pair in court

FLOWERS laid by wellwishers near Violet’s house

A WATERHEAD mother and her boyfriend, both accused of murdering her 15-month-old daughter, Violet Mullen, were due to appear before Oldham magistrates today.

Violet’s mother, Claire Flanagan (22,) and Gary Alcock (28), both of Huddersfield Road, Oldham, were remanded in custody by Oldham magistrates on Saturday.

They were also charged with causing or allowing the death of a child.

Flanagan sobbed as she and Alcock, who was not the baby’s father, appeared in court.

They spoke only to confirm their names and address, and no application for bail was made. The case was today expected to be sent to Manchester Crown Court.

Violet was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital on Tuesday after suffering a cardiac arrest, but died a short time later. Police have not disclosed the results of a post-mortem examination into Violet’s death.