A FRESH appeal has been made for the mother of a baby found in the garden of a luxury home six years ago.
And an inquest into the death of the boy whose body was found wrapped in a bin liner during a refurbishment at The Howroyd, Barkisland, has been officially opened.
Coroner Tim Ratcliffe said that new DNA tests have now confirmed Angela Owen to be the baby’s mother. He adjourned the hearing for further investigations.
West Yorkshire Police are appealing to anyone who may have information on Mrs Owen – who is believed to have gone by as many as 27 aliases including most commonly Ann Hall.
The body of the tiny baby boy was discovered on July 12, 2006, at the Krumlin Road property.
Mrs Owen had rented the old servant’s quarters at Howroyd from January 2002 until May 2003.
It is thought that she has relatives in the area and also spent much of her childhood in Huddersfield.
Det Insp Stephen Snow of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) at West Yorkshire Police said: “We know that she spent much of her childhood and early adult life in the Huddersfield area.
“And in particular, the Moldgreen area.
“In addition to her married name of Angela Owen, we know she’s known to have many aliases including the more widely-known Ann Hall.
“She was aged 39 at the time of the discovery and will now be 46.
“This is a large-scale investigation and the enquiry will continue until she has been found.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have had any information on her or may have any idea as to where she may be living.”
The baby’s body was uncovered during a revamp at the house by self-employed Barkisland landscaper Terry Norcliffe.
A post-mortem after the discovery revealed that the boy may have been there for up to a year.
He died after a full-term pregnancy and where he was buried was very close to the house and within view of its windows.
Mrs Owen has not been seen since June 2004 when she visited Weston Super Mare using the names Carla Geissler and Helen Gee.
She is described as white, 5ft 9in tall, very slim and with blonde shoulder length hair and brown eyes.
The current house dates back to the 17th century, but there are records of a property being there up to 800 years ago.
Previous guests are believed to have included Lord Nelson, Guy Fawkes and the composer Ivor Novello.
Emmerdale actor Richard Thorp, who plays Alan Turner and who celebrated his 80th birthday in Lindley earlier this year, also owned the property.
Anyone with information is asked to call HMET on 101 or contact DI Snow on 01924 334630.
