- The body of a child was discovered at an address in Southend after social services raised welfare concerns with Essex Police.
- Sophie Dean, 31, and James Thorpe, 32, have been charged with preventing a lawful and decent burial of a dead body.
- James Thorpe faces an additional charge of obstructing a police constable in the execution of their duty.
- Both defendants appeared at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates' Court and were remanded in custody until their next appearance at Basildon Crown Court on 7 September.
- Detectives from the Crime and Public Protection Command are continuing their investigation and appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
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