Former couple deny baby murder

A former couple from Wearside have appeared in court to deny murdering their five-month-old daughter.

Claire Morton, 30, of County Durham, and Gary Allen, 25, of Sunderland, deny killing Elisha Allen.

Elisha died in hospital on 24 January, three days after she was admitted with suspected head injuries.

Ms Morton was released on conditional bail from Newcastle Crown Court while Mr Allen was remanded in custody until their trial on April 21.

The pair also denied a joint charge of causing or allowing the death of a child between 7 August 2006 and 25 January this year.

Ms Morton of Pinewood Street, Fencehouses, Chester-le-Street, and Mr Allen, of Torrens Road, Thorney Close, spoke only to confirm their names and enter their not guilty pleas.