New trial date set for man accused of murdering Blackpool toddler

By Matthew Calderbank
Published 1st Mar 2024, 12:20 GMT
Updated 1st Mar 2024, 13:33 GMT
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A trial date has been set for a man accused of murdering a two-year-old boy in Blackpool.

Daniel Hardcastle, 30, was arrested after the toddler was found unresponsive at a home in Central Drive on August 19, 2023.

Police were called by paramedics after a two-year-old boy was found unresponsive at a home in Central Drive, Blackpool shortly after 11am on August 19, 2023. The toddler died in hospital two days later.Police were called by paramedics after a two-year-old boy was found unresponsive at a home in Central Drive, Blackpool shortly after 11am on August 19, 2023. The toddler died in hospital two days later.
Police were called by paramedics after a two-year-old boy was found unresponsive at a home in Central Drive, Blackpool shortly after 11am on August 19, 2023. The toddler died in hospital two days later.
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The two-year-old was taken to hospital but sadly died two days later. Hardcastle, of Central Drive, was initially charged with GBH but was later charged with murder and child cruelty following the boy's death.

He was due to stand trial at Preston Crown Court on February 27 but the trial will now take place on June 17.

At a hearing at Preston Crown Court yesterday, Preston's Honorary Recorder Judge Altham, ordered that Hardcastle remain in custody until his next court appearance.

Reporting restrictions remain in force to prohibit identification of the child and others in the case.

Related topics:BlackpoolPreston