The mother of a one-year-old boy who died of severe malnutrition will "firmly deny" causing or allowing the child's death, a court heard.

Maero Johnson, from St Helens, Merseyside, died in hospital in the early hours of 23 August 2023.

A post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was severe malnutrition and ketonic hypoglycaemia – which involves low blood sugar levels caused by a lack of food.

Adam Johnson, 26, and Kylie Smith, 25, both of Hempstead Close in the town, also face a charge of child neglect in connection with a surviving second child, while Johnson faces an additional charge of possession of cannabis.

The pair spoke only to confirm their names and addresses and were not asked to enter formal pleas during a brief hearing at Liverpool Magistrates Court.

However, Colin Rawson, representing Smith, told the court: "For additional context, it's a firm not guilty plea to both matters."

The case was passed to Liverpool Crown Court where both defendants were scheduled to appear on 10 September.

Johnson and Smith were both released on unconditional bail.