Man appears in court over toddler death

A 31-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of an 18-month-old girl on the Isle of Wight.

Adrian Lawton, of Newport, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the short hearing at Southampton Magistrates' Court.

He is charged with murder and a second charge of causing or allowing the death of Jayla-Jean McLaren.

The defendant, who said he was of no fixed address, was remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court on Thursday.

Magistrate Helen Douglas told him: "You have heard the very serious charges so there is no bail for you, you are going to be in custody appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court tomorrow for a preliminary hearing."

Samara Glover, also of Newport, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court last week to face charges of murdering Jayla-Jean and causing or allowing the death of a child.

She was remanded into custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing on March 23, as a provisional trial was set for 29 June.

Jayla-Jean died in hospital on 3 August 2025 after being taken there with serious injuries on 1 August, according to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.