A BASINGSTOKE couple have been charged with the manslaughter of their baby after it died of drug poisoning

Jacquietta Bowyer, 38, and her husband Luke, 27, of Berewyn Close, Buckskin, appeared before Basingstoke magistrates yesterday morning charged with the unlawful killing of their 22-month-old son Jacksa.

Their 18-year-old daughter Claire Gormley, from Worcestershire, also faces the same charge.

Prosecutor Patience Churcher alleged Jacksa had ingested the heroin substitute methadone on the morning of June 4.

She said Jacksa was taken to hospital at 2.05am on June 5 after an ambulance was called to a neighbour's house. She said: "By that time the baby was not breathing and was not able to be resuscitated."

The baby was pronounced dead at Basingstoke hospital on June 5 this year after he was taken there by ambulance in response to a 999 call.

Mrs Bowyer and her husband were arrested at their home.

The couple appeared together in court behind the glass screen and spoke only to give their names.

Mrs Bowyer, who looked sombre and was without make-up, wore a grey coat with furry collar.

Her husband, who had close-cropped black hair and a gold earring, was wearing a leather jacket and remained expressionless throughout the proceedings, which lasted more than an hour.

They were remanded in custody to appear again at Winchester Crown Court next week.