Couple charged over death of cousin's son

A couple have appeared in court in connection with the death of a three-year-old boy. Christopher Taylor, 23, and Kayley Boleyn, 18, were charged with causing or allowing the death of Ryan Hancox-Lovell, Wolverhampton magistrates' court heard.

Ryan, who was the son of Ms Boleyn's cousin, died on Wednesday at Birmingham Children's Hospital after suffering head injuries.

Mr Taylor and Ms Boleyn, both from Bradley, Wolverhampton, spoke only to confirm their names and addresses. They did not enter a plea. During the 10-minute hearing the court heard the charges related to offences between 1 December and 23 December. Both were remanded in custody to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 5 January.

A post-mortem examination was to take place today. Ryan was taken to hospital shortly before 11pm on Monday night, police said.