Politics
Man, 26, denies murder of Grace Thorpe, 2, who died after being found injured at house in Teesside
A 26-YEAR-OLD man has denied the murder of two-year-old Grace Thorpe, who died after being found injured at a house in Teesside.
Adam Jackson, of Dale Street, New Marske, was charged with the toddler’s murder on November 13.
Grace Thorpe died after suffering injuries at a home in Dale Street, New Marske[/caption]
The two-year-old passed away on November 11[/caption]
Floral tributes outside the house where Grace was found injured[/caption]
On Monday, he appeared at Teesside Crown Court via a video link to Durham prison.
During the 15-minute hearing, Jackson was asked enter a plea to the charge of murdering Grace Thorpe and pleaded not guilty, Teesside Live reports.
Judge Stephen Ashurst confirmed Jackson’s trial will go ahead at the court in Middlesbrough on July 26.
A pre-trial hearing will take place on June 7 and Jackson will appear in court via video link.
The judge told Jackson: “The case will come back for a further pre-trial hearing on June 7.
“Your trial remains listed for July 26.
“The next hearing which you will participate in will be on June 7.
“You can leave the video link at Durham.”
Adam Jackson was charged with the toddler’s murder[/caption]
Police at the house where the two-year-old was found with injuries[/caption]
“Little angel” Grace died after being found injured at a home in Teesside on November 10 last year.
She was rushed to hospital after emergency services were called to a terraced house in Dale Street, New Marske.
She was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary for treatment, but tragically died in hospital on November 11.
Tributes flooded in for the youngster from heartbroken friends and family.
One relative shared a picture of the adorable youngster with the caption: “My princess”.
‘BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GIRL’
Another shared a photo, saying: “No family should have to endure this.
“A family broken and a community shocked to the core. We all stand with you and hope justice is served and the family get the strength they need to get through it.
“RIP Grace Thorpe #lightupfacebookpink”.
Tearful neighbours said locals prepared a candlelight vigil for the little girl.
One mum said: “It’s absolutely heartbreaking to hear the news she has
died, she was such a beautiful little girl.
Grace was described by neighbours as ‘gorgeous’[/caption]
“During clap for carers she would come to the door with her mum and
wave across the street at my little girl who is about the same age.
“She would also get excited and wave whenever she saw me out with my
dog.
“It’s completely devastating that she’s died and that it’s being
treated as a murder.”
Another neighbour said: “Everyone on the street has been affected by this and the village as a whole.
“It’s a small village where everyone knows each other and there have been a lot of tears for that little girl.
“She was a gorgeous, smiley, blonde-haired little thing, always so
cheerful.
Most read in News
“I was praying that she’d pull through but I found out she had died when her dad posted it on social media.
“He and her mum are separated and I feel for them both and the whole
family right now, I can’t imagine what they’re going through.”
Jackson has been remanded in custody until the next hearing in June.
