A mother and father have pleaded not guilty to causing or allowing the death of their one-year-old son, Maero Johnson, who died in hospital in the early hours of 23 August 2023 from ketotic hypoglycaemia and severe malnutrition. The case has moved forward after the couple appeared at Liverpool Crown Court, with a full trial now scheduled, marking the next stage in proceedings roughly three years after the child's death.

Adam Johnson, 26, and Kylie Smith, 25, both of St Helens, Merseyside, denied causing or allowing a child's death between 5 June and 24 August 2023, and also denied two counts of cruelty to a person under 16. A second child found by Merseyside Police was reported to be neglected and underdeveloped. Johnson separately pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis. Both were granted unconditional bail, with a pre-trial hearing set for 5 April 2027 and the trial itself, expected to last four to six weeks, listed to begin on 19 April.