Man charged with murder of Northampton toddler was on bail for drugs charges when arrested

Raphael Kennedy, 31, of Arthur Street, Kingsthorpe Hollow, appeared at Northampton Crown Court on Friday via video link from HMP Woodhill.

He was appearing so as to clarify his custody situation due to the fact he was due to face trial for possession of diamorphine and crack cocaine - both class A drugs - and cannabis, for which he would be able to apply for bail.

However, Judge Rupert Mayo confirmed Kennedy will be remanded in custody because of the murder charge against him. The crime is alleged to have taken place in Arthur Street on December 15, 2017.

Any murder trial arising from the charge had been due to be heard at Leicester Crown Court, where the original hearing had taken place due to Northampton Crown Court being too busy. But Friday's hearing also determined any trial will now be heard by a Northampton jury.

Kennedy will next appear before a judge - in Leicester - on January 23, where he has the chance to enter a plea.