Mother in court over baby murder

Four-month-old Alexander Gallon died in the fire

The mother of a baby killed in a house fire on Tyneside has appeared in court charged with his murder.

Alexander Gallon, who was four-months-old, died in a fire at a house in Cowgate, Newcastle, on Sunday.

His mother, Danielle Catherine Wails, was charged on Thursday and appeared before Newcastle magistrates on Friday.

No plea was entered, but the 21-year-old's solicitor said the allegations would be contested. Ms Wails was remanded in custody.

The court heard a fire had been started at the Cowgate property and when fire officers arrived they found Alexander inside.

Preliminary hearing

He was taken to Newcastle General Hospital, but was declared dead a short time afterwards.

Ms Wails was arrested on Wednesday as police suspended an appeal for two men initially sought in connection with the murder inquiry.

A preliminary hearing at Crown Court will be held on 13 September.

On Tuesday, another woman in her early 20s was arrested and bailed by police.