Pair appear in court over death of child

Nicola Brown and Jason Brown appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court following the death of a child in 2014.

Nicola Brown, 42, from Portsmouth, has been charged with murder and causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm.

Jason Brown, 43, also from Portsmouth, has been charged with causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm.

Nicola Brown was being held in custody and was led to the dock flanked by three security guards.

Wearing a black and white dress, she confirmed her name and address and was crying throughout the two-minute hearing.

Jason Brown, wearing a blue jacket and a T-shirt, was also weeping and confirmed his personal details.

They were told that the offence could not be dealt with at magistrates and had to be sent to a higher court. No pleas were made.

Nicola Brown was remanded in custody and taken back to the cells.

Jason Brown was given unconditional bail.

They will appear at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday for another hearing.