A mother has appeared in court charged with murdering her seven-year-old son.
Archie Spriggs was found dead at the family home in Church Stretton, Shropshire two weeks ago. Neighbours said his older brother Jack, 20, found his body.
His mother, Lesley Speed, was also found with serious injuries, thought to be self-inflicted. She was airlifted to hospital, where she was later arrested.
Little Archie Spriggs was found dead at his home in Staffordshire by his brother two weeks ago
His mother, Lesley Speed, has been charged with murder and appeared in court today
The cause of Archie’s death has not yet been confirmed but Speed appeared at Stafford Crown Court charged with murder today.
She appeared via video link from HMP Foston Hall, where she was remanded in custody until a plea and trial preparation hearing later this month. The court heard she could face trial next year.
Last week, West Mercia Police released a statement on behalf of Archie’s family, who spoke of their devastation.
It 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.’
Police were called to Archie’s Shropshire home last month. He is understood to have been found by his older brother
Rushbury CE Primary School headteacher Diane Pye said: ‘Archie was a wonderful, bubbly boy and a much loved member of our school.
‘He was well respected and will be remembered very fondly as a good friend and pupil. He will be much missed by everyone who knew him.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Archie and his family and we ask that people continue to respect their privacy at this difficult time.’
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