In April, a couple will go on trial for the death of a one-year-old son they were attempting to adopt. After emergency services were summoned to an address in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, Leiland Corkill died in hospital. Laura Castle, 38, of Barrow, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Leiland and also to an alternative offence of manslaughter on Friday. Scott Castle, a 35-year-old Barrow resident, pleaded not guilty to causing or permitting Leiland’s death. On Friday, the two respondents appeared at Preston Crown Court to deny claims of child abuse. On April 26, they will stand trial.
Cumbria County Council verified Leiland was looked for by the local council and was put with the Castles at the time of his death. The one-year-old, who was born in Whitehaven, Cumbria, was brought into care by his birth mother Laura Corkill only two days after his birth.
On January 6, paramedics were summoned to a property in Barrow-in-Furness, where they discovered Leiland injured, causing them to call the police. Due to his poor condition, he was transported from Furness General Hospital to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for expert medical care. Leiland died tragically on the afternoon of January 7, prompting authorities to open a murder investigation. At the time of his demise, he was still in the care of Cumbria County Council.
Before an application for an adoption order may be issued, a child must reside with their adoptive parents, according to the Adoption and Children Act 2002.
When a kid is placed with adopters, they take on parental responsibility for the child, but the child is still ‘looked after’ by the local authority until an adoption order is issued.
John Readman, executive director of Cumbria County Council expressed that it was a truly painful case and their sympathies are with the little kid’s family. They confirmed that he was looked for by the local authorities and was put with adoptive parents at the time of his death. A police investigation is being continued hence they are unable to offer any other comments at this time.
May the little angel rest in eternal peace.
