Appeal for witnesses after fatal fall of toddler from sixth-floor window

The solicitor representing a woman charged with the murder of her 18-month-old son has appealed for witnesses.

Gemma Procter, 23, was charged on Monday after the death of her son, Elliot, at a block of flats in Bradford on Saturday.

Procter appeared at Bradford magistrates court on Monday morning, where her solicitor said she denied the charge of murder.

In an unusual move, district judge Michael Fanning lifted the normal reporting restrictions so that Sajad Chaudhury, representing Procter, could call for witnesses to come forward.

At a hearing, Chaudhury said: “Clearly, it’s a horrific and traumatic incident for all people involved and the defendant’s family is in court supporting her.

“The incident happened around 5pm. It’s very important for any witnesses to come forward who have any CCTV or any video footage on their phones or who have seen anything in terms of behaviour from anyone in the days leading up to the incident.

“There were incidents in the days leading up to and on the day of the incident.”

Chaudhury did not specify what incidents he was referring to but said: “People may have thought them insignificant but, for us, they may be significant.”

Police were called to Newcastle House near the city centre at about 5:10pm on Saturday after reports that a child had fallen from a sixth-floor window. Despite attempts to save the toddler, police said it was quickly apparent he had died.

The flats where Elliot died were part of a large block with a high turnover of residents, Chaudhury said, which was why he wanted publicity to make as many residents as possible aware.

In court on Monday morning, Procter spoke to confirm her personal details and that she understood the charge.

She also acknowledged her family at the back of the court.

One man shouted: “Love you, babe” and Procter said the same back as she was led from the dock after the short hearing during which she appeared clearly to be upset.

Procter was remanded in custody and will appear again before Bradford crown court on Wednesday. West Yorkshire police said inquiries into the incident were ongoing.

DSI Nick Wallen, who is leading the investigation, said on Sunday: “Specially trained officers are working to support the child’s family members and those who witnessed what took place. It is no exaggeration to say that those who witnessed this incident will have been deeply traumatised.”