A man and a woman have been charged after a child's body was discovered at a property in Southend, Essex, following a welfare check by social services. James Thorpe, 32, and Sophie Dean, 31, both from the Shoeburyness and Kenway area, appeared in court accused of preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body, a case that will now proceed to Crown Court.

Police visited the address in Kenway on 7 August 2026 after social services raised concerns for the child's welfare, and discovered the body during the search. The pair were remanded in custody at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates' Court, with their next hearing set for Basildon Crown Court on 7 September. Thorpe faces an additional charge of obstructing a police constable in the execution of their duty, and detectives from Essex Police are continuing their investigation.