Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA man and a woman have been charged with preventing lawful burial, Essex Police said (PA)The body of a child was discovered at an address in Southend after social services raised welfare concerns with Essex Police. Sophie Dean, 31, and James Thorpe, 32, have been charged with preventing a lawful and decent burial of a dead body. James Thorpe faces an additional charge of obstructing a police constable in the execution of their duty. Both defendants appeared at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates' Court and were remanded in custody until their next appearance at Basildon Crown Court on 7 September. Detectives from the Crime and Public Protection Command are continuing their investigation and appealing for anyone with information to come forward. In fullTwo charged with preventing lawful burial after child’s body found at homeMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

James Thorpe, 32, and Sophie Dean, 31, appeared in court today accused of preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body.

Sophie Dean, 31, and James Thorpe, 32, have been charged with preventing a lawful and decent burial of a dead body after officers found the body of a child after welfare concerns