A mother and father have been pictured for the first time after they were charged over the death of their one-year-old son 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 ketonic hypoglycaemia and severe malnutrition, a Home Office postmortem 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 to be ‘neglected and underdeveloped’. 

Adam Johnson, 26, and Kylie Smith, 25, both of St Helens, have been charged with causing/allowing the death of a child, child neglect and possession of a Class B drug, cannabis. 

Johnson and Smith are scheduled to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on August 13. 

Kylie Smith, 25, has been charged with causing/allowing the death of a child, child neglect and possession of a Class B drug, cannabis

Adam Johnson, 26, of St Helens, has also been charged for the same crimes

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