A mum accused of killing her baby son has had her trial postponed - because she is pregnant.
Gemma Fennelly, 23, is charged with the manslaughter of Mitchell Bate, aged 22 months.
She is jointly charged with her partner Mark Bate, 33.
The pair, both of Hartlepool, appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday where they denied the charge.
The trial was due to take place in July but Fennelly's barrister told the court that she believed it should be moved back as Fennelly is 22 weeks pregnant and expecting the baby in June.
Christine Egerton said: "I think it would be possible for her to have the baby as late as the second week in June.
"I submit in any event that the trial date is too close to the birth for her physical and psychological comfort."
Judge Peter Fox, QC, granted the pair conditional bail and said he expected the trial to take place in September or October.
Fennelly and Bate also each deny a further charge of causing or allowing the death of a child.
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