Parents charged with child neglect appear before court (From Tivyside Advertiser)

Parents charged with child neglect appear before court

3:07pm Friday 22nd March 2013 in News

   

The parents of an eight year old boy who allegedly died from scurvy made their first appearance before a crown court judge today.

Glynn and Julie Seabridge, both 46, are charged with child neglect.

They attended a short, preliminary hearing before Judge Paul Thomas at Swansea crown court.

The couple, of Dolau in the hamlet of Llantood, near Cardigan, spoke only to confirm their identities but their barristers said not guilty pleas would be entered at a plea and case management hearing listed for June 14.

The charge alleges neglect of their son Dylan Mungo Seabridge between July 1, 2011, and December 7, 2011.

He died at his home in Crymych on December 6, 2011.

Patrick Griffiths, prosecuting, said the case had "a very complicated background."

Jim Davis, representing Glynn Seabridge, and Dyfed Thomas, for Julie Seabridge, told Judge Thomas they would arrange for medical experts to report on the cause of death.

"Because of the unusual nature of the allegation we will have to identify experts who operate in a very limited field," said Mr Davis.

"We hope to make progress quickly," he added.

The couple, who were both supported by walking sticks, were granted bail until the next hearing.

Scurvy, caused by a vitamin C deficiency, is virtually unheard of in modern times.