London24NEWS

Mother admits killing new child son after his physique was found in woodland close to theme park in 1998

A mother today admitted killing her newborn son whose body was discovered in woodland almost 27 years ago.

The identity of the child remained a mystery until three years ago when a cold case investigation revealed a DNA link to Joanne Sharkey on the police national computer.

Until then he had been known as Baby Callum – named after the Callands area of Warrington, in Cheshire, near to the Gulliver’s World theme park, where the child’s body was found.

Sharkey was charged last April and was due to go on trial today for the baby’s murder.

But today she pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility and to concealing her son’s birth.

Joanne Sharkey (pictured) today admitted killing her newborn son whose body was discovered in woodland almost 27 years ago

Joanne Sharkey (pictured) today admitted killing her newborn son whose body was discovered in woodland almost 27 years ago

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow