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A woman has appeared in court charged with murdering a newborn baby.

Shauna Donnelly appeared at court on Wednesday morning after police arrested her in connection with the death of Ellis Donnelly, on October 3 last year.

It is said Donnelly attended James Cook University Hospital on October 4 carrying a newborn baby. It is thought the baby was born the day before.

The baby, named Ellis, was deceased on arrival.

Following medical examinations Donnelly has since been under investigation by police.

Officers attended the Teesville area in October last year as part of the investigation into the child's death.

(Image: Ian Cooper / Teesside Live)

Detectives carried out out door-to-door inquiries and witnesses said at the time that a bin at the now-closed Eston Hotel car park, off Fabian Road, was taped off.

Donnelly had previously been twice arrested and released under investigation, and was charged by Cleveland Police on Wednesday morning.

She initially appeared from custody in front of District Judge Helen Cousins at Teesside Magistrates' Court, and in a one minute hearing, she spoke only to confirm her name and address.

That hearing was adjourned to a Crown Court appearance, which took place an hour later via video link from Teesside Justice Centre, in front of Judge Paul Watson QC.

The 24-year-old did not enter a plea at either hearing.

In the second hearing, further details of the case were outlined although no details about how the child died were given.

Barrister Robert Mochrie, on behalf of Donnelly, described her as a vulnerable person with some learning disabilities.

(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Mr Mochrie said Donnelly, who has no previous offences, faced an "extremely sensitive and delicate allegation".

Judge Watson granted Donnelly bail with conditions including curfew of 4pm and 6am, adding she was already restricted by coronavirus guidelines similar to the general public.

A condition was also imposed preventing any work with children after the court heard Donnelly had done baby-sitting work.

Judge Watson said: "The defendant attended a hospital on October 4 last year with a newborn baby, probably born a day or so before.

"Sadly Ellis, the newborn, was found to be deceased on arrival at hospital."

"During the course of the medical investigations which took place very shortly after that Miss Donnelly has remained at large and under investigation since October last year.

"During that time she has been living with her mother and father who will be witnesses in the case.

"I imagine the key issues in any trial will as likely as not revolve around medical evidence."

Donnelly left the court in Midlesbrough and will next appear on June 10.