A TRIAL date has been set for two people accused of obtaining drugs to illegally abort a baby.
Elliot Benham, age 24, of Wingfield, Kingsdown, Swindon, and Sophie Harvey, also 24, of St Mary's Road, Cirencester, are alleged to have used "poison" to cause Harvey to miscarriage in 2018.
The prosecution's case is that the defendants bought the drugs from India and used them to abort her baby illegally - then concealed the dead infant.
Both defendants are facing charges of perverting the course of justice by disposing of the baby’s body between September and October in 2018.
Harvey is facing two additional charges, including purchasing drugs with the intent to cause a miscarriage, and unlawfully administering that poison to herself.
The trial is scheduled to start on Monday, May 13.
Mr Justice Saini said at a hearing yesterday, Tuesday March 20 that the trial it would take place in Gloucestershire, not at Bristol Crown Court where he usually sits.
It is possible that the case will be heard at Cirencester Courthouse - although the prosecution said that Gloucester Crown Court would be better because it has more space for the three legal teams as well as the number of journalists who are likely to cover the trial.
At previous hearings, the defence has referred to the fact that it may be calling medical evidence on behalf of Harvey with regard to the condition autoimmune hypothyroidism, known as Hashimoto's Disease.
The disease can lead to problems during pregnancy which can affect a mother and a baby and increase the risk of miscarriage/stillbirth.
But on Tuesday's hearing Thomas Godfrey, defending Harvey, said they would not be presenting any medical evidence to the court and that the defence team was now ready for the trial.
Benham and Harvey were both bailed pending the trial.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article