THIS is the moment a killer was arrested wearing a “mum” top 25 years after she strangled her newborn son to death near a theme park.
The baby, named as Callum, was discovered in woodland in Warrington, Cheshire, in March 1998.
Joanne Sharkey kept the dark secret for 25 years – even from her husband – until police arrived at her door in July 2023.
The 54-year-old was captured in police bodycam wearing a top ironically emblazoned with the word “mum”.
An officer tells her: “I am not here to judge you and I am not here to cause any unnecessary anguish for you.
“But we are involved in an investigation regarding a baby who was found deceased in woodlands on the outskirts of Warrington in 1998.”
Sharkey continues sitting with her hands clasped as she was arrested on suspicion of murder.
She then points out her husband and tells officers: “He doesn’t know anything”.
Sharkey wept today as she pleaded not guilty to murder at Liverpool Crown Court.
The 54-year-old admitted an alternative offence of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility and concealing the child’s birth.
Her plea was accepted by the prosecution during the hearing.
Jonas Hankin KC said the killing was “impossible to understand” in the absence of significant mental impairment which had “substantially impaired her ability to form rational judgment and exercise self-control”.
Sharkey was granted conditional bail ahead of sentencing on March 21.
The horror unfolded in the Callands area of Warrington when the tot was discovered wrapped in plastic near Gulliver’s World theme park.
He is believed to have only been a few hours old when he was strangled and beaten over the head.
A murder investigation was launched and the baby was named by police as Callum.
The baby was buried with no family members in Warrington Cemetery with a headstone reading: “Baby Callum, a precious child of God.
“With the love from the people of Warrington.”
Two people – Sharkey and a man from Liverpool – were arrested in July 2023 following a fresh appeal.
The male suspect was released without charge and officers are not looking for anyone else in relation to the death.
Adam Till, from the CPS, said: “This has been a complex case about a baby whose life was unfairly cut short.
“He would have been an adult today and it’s devastating to think of the life he could have had.
“The circumstances of his death have deeply affected everyone who has been involved in this case as well as the wider community.
“We carefully considered and accepted a guilty plea to manslaughter following a thorough review of the psychiatric reports and medical evidence.
“The evidence concluded that Sharkey’s mental state was significantly impaired at the time of the offence due to a medical condition which diminished her criminal responsibility.
“While the outcome of this case will never bring the baby back, we hope it brings a small measure of comfort to everyone who has been affected by this awful case.”
