Woman and man are charged after child's body is found at home

By JOSHUA HAINING, NEWS REPORTER Published: 21:57, 10 August 2026 | Updated: 21:58, 10 August 2026 A man and woman have been charged after a child's body was found at a home by police.  James Thorpe, 32, and Sophie Dean, 31, appeared in court today accused of preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body. Officers visited the property in Kenway, Southend, and discovered the body on August 7 after social services raised welfare concerns. The pair from Shoeburyness and Kenway were remanded in custody at Southend-on- Sea Magistrates' Court until their next hearing at Basildon Crown Court on September 7.  Thorpe has also been charged with obstruction of a constable in the execution of their duty.  Detectives from Essex Police's Crime and Public Protection Command are continuing to investigate the child's death. An Essex Police spokesperson added: 'We would also encourage anyone with information that could assist us and who has not yet spoken to us to please come forward and do so, quoting investigation number 42/125225/26.' This isn't the only child's body to be discovered at a property in recent months. A police officer, pictured wearing a hi-vis vest, an ear piece and helmet, stands in the street A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after a three-year-old girl was found dead at a home in Chertsey, Surrey, in June. Officers found the body at the home while responding to a 'concern for safety'. A murder investigation was then launched by Surrey Police.   The Senior Investigating Officer from the major crime team said: 'This is a tragic incident, and our officers are working hard to build a picture of what happened. 'We have made an arrest in connection with this incident and at this stage, we are not looking to identify anyone else in connection with our investigation. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.