A mother and father have denied causing the death of their one-year-old son who died from ‘severe malnutrition’.

Police were called after Maero Johnson was rushed to hospital, where despite the best efforts of staff, he passed away in the early hours of August 23, 2023. 

The baby died from ketotic hypoglycaemia and severe malnutrition, a Home Office postmortem previously confirmed. 

The condition is typically caused by long periods without food or a viral illness. It most commonly affects toddlers and young children. 

A second child was also found by Merseyside Police officers, who was reported to be ‘neglected and underdeveloped’. 

Adam Johnson, 26, and Kylie Smith, 25, of St Helens, Merseyside, were charged in connection with the death of Maero Johnson three years ago.

Kylie Smith, 25, was charged in connection with the death of Maero Johnson three years ago, which she denies

Adam Johnson, 26, of St Helens, has also been charged for the same crime, which he also denies

Police were called after Maero Johnson (pictured) was rushed to hospital, where despite the best efforts of staff he passed away in the early hours of August 23, 2023

The defendants appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, where their trial, expected to last four to six weeks, was listed for April 19.

Smith, wearing a white polo shirt and with her hair in a long plait, and Johnson both pleaded not guilty to causing or allowing the death of a child between June 5, 2023 and August 24, 2023.

They also denied two counts of cruelty to a person under 16.

Johnson, wearing a shirt and with facial hair, pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing cannabis.

The pair were granted unconditional bail ahead of a pre-trial hearing on April 5, 2027.