A COUPLE have appeared before a judge charged with the manslaughter of their baby daughter.

Benjamin Pochin and Emma Hamer, both aged 30, of Middlemarsh, Leominster, were granted bail at Worcester Crown Court.

Baby Elle Hamer died on October 4 last year, aged 38 days. The defendants are due back in court on September 28, when their pleas to the charge will be taken.

Judge Alistair McCreath said an order made by Hereford magistrates that the identity of the defendants and the baby should not be revealed was illegal. It is usual that the name of a child who has died should be made public in any court case.