Mother on baby murder charge is granted bail

Jessica Hopkinson, 18, and Lee Davison were both remanded in custody after appearing at Pontefract Magistrates’ Court earlier this week charged with the murder of their daughter Krystal.

But at Leeds Crown Court yesterday Judge Geoffrey Marson QC agreed to grant her bail on condition she reside at an agreed address outside West Yorkshire, only entering the county for court and legal appointments.

Richard Wright, representing her, said there were concerns she would be at risk if she returned to her home address in Ashleigh Avenue, Pontefract, because of tension in the community.

Hopkinson was also ordered not to contact directly or indirectly her co-accused Davison, 28, who appeared over a video link from Armley jail, Leeds.

Rob Casey, representing Davison, told the court he was making no application for bail.

Both were remanded until a preliminary hearing at the court fixed for April 30 when a timetable for the case is expected to be set.