A couple charged with offences relating to the death of their five-year-old daughter have appeared in court.

Ben Butler and his partner Jennie Gray both appeared at the Old Bailey in central London this morning in connection with the death of their daughter Ellie Butler.

Ellie was found with serious head injuries at the home Miss Gray and Mr Butler share in Westover Close on Belmont's Shanklin estate on October 28.

Your Local Guardian: Mother, Jennie Gray

Jennie Gray

She was taken to  hospital but died later that day.

Mr Butler was later charged with murder and Miss Gray has been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Mr Butler was expected to enter a plea but complications in the case mean no plea will be entered until October at the earliest.

It means a possible trial would not be likely to take place until Easter 2015.

Mr Butler appeared over video link from HMP Belmarsh while Miss Gray sat in the dock at the Old Bailey.