A couple from Kirklees who were cleared of killing their four-month-old daughter after the case against them was dropped are now facing a different charge of child cruelty.

The prosecution offered no evidence earlier this year against Lucy Damen and Daniel David Sheard at Leeds Crown Court after they both denied the manslaughter of Kayleigh Mai Sheard on September 30 last year.

They also denied a second charge of familial homicide by causing or allowing the death of their daughter at their then home in Foldings Avenue, Cleckheaton knowing she was “at significant risk of serious physical harm.”

Sheard, 22 and Damen, 20 now living in Heckmondwike, appeared back at the crown court yesterday accused of cruelty between 23 May last year and September 30 last year.

A plea and case management hearing was set for March 9 next year when they were told prosecution papers will have been served and they must prepare defence statements.

Judge Collier told them it is unlikely a trial will be held before next October but a date will be fixed after consultation with the Presiding Judge on the North Eastern Circuit.