Woman on murder charge after death of toddler
VILLAGE ROCKED BY TRAGEDY
RESIDENTS of a quiet Nottinghamshire village say they are “still in shock” after a woman was charged with murder following the death of a three-year-old boy.
Police were called to Main Road, Jacksdale on Saturday, August 7, after the toddler was reported to be seriously injured.
He was taken to hospital for treatment but died on Monday, August 9.
Leila Picker, 22, of Main Road, Jacksdale, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, charged with the boy’s murder.
She is due to appear at Nottingham Crown
Court tomorrow and has been remanded into custody until that date. She has not yet given a plea.
Jacksdale residents said the news has rocked the close-knit community and there is an outpouring of grief for those who knew the little boy, who has not been named.
One couple, who have lived in Jacksdale all their lives and wished to remain anonymous, said: “It was very surprising. We don’t know the boy or his family, but it was so sad. It’s just terrible. Nothing like this has ever happened in all the time we have been here. I think everyone is still in shock.”
Sarah Gay, 38, who was shopping in Main Road, said: “It’s unthinkable for me as someone with a big family. I just feel sick for everyone who knew him. How can something like this happen here? It’s awful.”
Flowers and cuddly toys have been left on the side of the street in Main Road, as well as messages from those who knew the boy.
John Mee, who lives in Jacksdale and was walking along Main Road, said: “I’ve lived in the village for 41 years. I didn’t know anything about it until now - it’s unbelievable really, for something like this to happen here.”
Another man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I saw police outside the house earlier this week and I have seen the flowers and the toys that have been left. I don’t know much about it but it’s taken everyone here aback quite a bit. My heart goes out to his family.”
Detective Inspector Steve Wragg, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This is a tragic incident that has seen a boy lose his life. We have been working hard to establish the circumstances around the boy’s death and have now charged a woman with murder.
“Our thoughts are with the child’s family, who have asked for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.”