Mother charged with son's murder

The boy died at Great Ormond Street hospital

A mother has been charged with the murder of her son.

Petrina Stocker, 39, a housewife, from Hornchurch, Essex, appeared at Hendon Magistrates Court, north London, on Friday, charged with murdering nine-year-old David Stocker in August 2001.

The boy died at London's Great Ormond Street hospital.

He was first admitted to Oldchurch Hospital, Romford, on 21 June last year, suffering from a number of symptoms before being discharged on 28 July.

The youngster was later re-admitted to Oldchurch Hospital and on 2 August last year was transferred to Great Ormond Street where he suffered a heart attack and died on 20 August.

Ms Stocker was remanded on bail to appear at the Central Criminal Court on 29 August.

A man in his 40s was earlier arrested in connection with the investigation but police decided on Thursday to take no further action against him.