Shropshire mother pleads not guilty to murdering her son

Lesley Speed, 44, (pictured) pleaded not guilty to the murder of Archie Spriggs

A mother-of-two has denied murdering her seven-year-old son.

Lesley Speed, 44, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Archie Spriggs at their home in Church Stretton, in Shropshire, in September. 

Wearing a red fleece top with a cast on her arm, she appeared via video link in the brief hearing at Stafford Crown Court and confirmed her name and plea.

Police and paramedics had rushed to the rural semi-detached property at 6.15pm on Thursday September 21 but found Archie dead when they arrived. 

The cause of his death has not yet been confirmed. 

A statement released on behalf of the family read: ‘Archie’s father, step-mum, brother and family are facing challenging times and would like to ask for our privacy to be respected while we come to terms with this devastating loss.’

Lesley, who also has an older son Zack, volunteered at a Hope House charity shop about four miles from her home in the market town.

Judge Chambers QC remanded her in custody until trial at March 9, with a pre-trial hearing on February 9.

The body of Archie Spriggs was discovered at  the family's rural semi on September 21

The body of Archie Spriggs was discovered at  the family’s rural semi on September 21

 

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