Man and woman deny murdering 21-month-old boy

A man and woman are to face trial next year after pleading not guilty to murdering a 21-month-old boy.

Tobias-John Doyle died in hospital on 2 December 2023 after being taken there on 29 November from an address in Mulberry Avenue, Leicester.

Omiel Gordon, 35, of Butterwick Drive, and Shalom Morgan, 23, of Morledge Street, both in Leicester, were first arrested in November 2023 and appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday after being charged in April.

They denied one count each of murder, and causing or allowing the death of a child and cruelty to a person under the age of 16, and were told they will go on trial on 25 January.

Judge Timothy Spencer KC informed Gordon and Morgan they would next have to appear in court in October.

"You are both in a very serious position, I think you both know that," he said. "You will both stand trial for murder on Monday January 25.

"You will be back before me on October 23 when we will see how this case is shaping up."

In a tribute released through Leicestershire Police in April after Gordon and Morgan were charged, Tobias's father Simon Doyle said: "Tobias was my best friend. He was a giggly, happy little boy who put a smile on everyone's face.

"He had the most beautiful chubby cheeks and curly hair and he absolutely loved dinosaurs. We love him and miss him so much."

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