Father in court accused of baby's murder

A man was remanded in custody today accused of murdering an eight-week-old baby, police said.

Tom Smith, 24, appeared before magistrates in Southend, Essex, accused of killing baby Chantelle Pilkington.

Smith, of Fernbrook Avenue, Southend, is believed to be Chantelle's father.

Essex Police said the baby, from Shoebury, Essex, died on August 13 last year after spending four days on life support at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

She was initially taken to Southend Hospital on August 9, suffering from head injuries, and was later transferred to the children's hospital.

Smith was remanded in custody to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court tomorrow for a bail application.