Joanne Sharkey, 55, of Liverpool, has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of her newborn baby, whose body was discovered almost 27 years ago near the Gulliver's World theme park in Warrington, Cheshire. The baby, now known as Baby Callum, was found discarded inside bin bags on March 14, 1998, by a local dog walker. The discovery of the infant triggered widespread shock and concern within the local community.
The identity of the baby remained unknown for years, but it wasn’t until advancements in DNA technology were made and the case was reopened due to new evidence in January 2022, when Sharkey and the baby’s father were traced through familial DNA links. On July 28, 2023, both Sharkey and her husband, Neil Sharkey, were arrested. Neil would later be released without charge, as it emerged he was unaware of the pregnancy or the subsequent tragedy.
On April 15, 2024, Sharkey was officially charged with murder and attempting to conceal the birth of her child after investigations revealed she had hidden her pregnancy from her loved ones and had caused the infant’s death shortly after giving birth at home. Detectives noted the baby had tissue lodged within his throat, indicating he may have suffocated.
After nearly three decades of investigation and community efforts to identify the child, the court action progressed with Sharkey standing trial, scheduled for March 6, 2025. Instead of contesting the murder charges, she entered a guilty plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, which was accepted by the prosecution based on psychiatric evidence confirming her mental state was significantly impaired at the time.
During her court appearance, prosecutor Jonas Hankin KC suggested the killing was “impossible to understand” without the severe mental impairment Sharkey had suffered. Following this, Mrs. Justice Eady affirmed the medical findings, stating there would be no reason for the jury to dismiss the evidence presented. She accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for March 21, 2025.
The case has not only highlighted the tragic circumstances surrounding Baby Callum's death but has also affected many within the Warrington community, sparking significant public interest and indignation over the years. Detective Inspector Hannah Friend noted, “The case of Baby Callum shocked the local community 27 years ago... Despite his life being cruelly cut short, he has not been forgotten.”
Following the discovery, local residents arranged for Baby Callum's funeral, ensuring he received a proper farewell. A community-funded headstone now marks his grave, inscribed with the heartfelt message: “Baby Callum, precious child of God. Laid to rest July 27, 1998. With love, from the people of Warrington.”
Adam Till of the Crown Prosecution Service echoed the sentiments surrounding the tragedy, stating, “He would have been an adult today and it’s devastating to think of the life he could have had.” This case, which will remain etched as a somber reminder of lost potential, serves as both closure for the community and as a stark reflection on the importance of mental health awareness and the consequences of untreated conditions.
Joanne Sharkey’s case remains pivotal not just for those directly affected but for society as it grapples with complex issues surrounding mental health, accountability, and justice. With her sentencing date approaching, the hope is for continued healing for the community and for individuals who hold memories of Baby Callum dear to them.