Shropshire mother accused of murdering seven-year-old son will stand trial next month
The trial of a Shropshire woman accused of murdering her seven-year-old son will start next month, it has been confirmed.
Lesley Speed, 44, denies the murder of schoolboy Archie Spriggs in Church Stretton in September last year.
At a pre-trial hearing, Judge Michael Chambers QC confirmed that the case would be listed for trial at Stafford Crown Court starting on March 9.
He indicated that the first day would involve the selection of a jury for the trial, which is expected to last up to four weeks, with evidence being heard from March 12.
Speed was not present in court on Friday because of a fault with a video link to the prison where she is being held on remand.
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Defence counsel Miss Rachel Brand QC said her client was aware of the hearing and would be informed of the court's decision.
Speed was charged with murder after her son was found dead at their home in Rushbury Road, in Wall under Heywood, near Church Stretton on September 21.
The defendant, who worked in a charity shop, was found with injuries to her neck and arm and was treated at hospital.
