Couple in court accused of triggering miscarriage 'with poison' and disposing of baby's body | The Sun
A COUPLE appeared in court today accused of triggering a miscarriage with poison and disposing of a baby's body.
Sophie Harvey, 23, allegedly took abortion pill Mifepristone while pregnant to bring about a miscarriage.
The legal limit for an abortion is 24 weeks unless in very limited circumstances and must be carried out by a registered medical practitioner.
Harvey was past 24 weeks pregnant and the abortion was not carried out by a professional, it is alleged.
She appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court today with co-defendant Elliot Benham, 23.
They are jointly charged with procuring a poison to cause a miscarriage and concealment of the birth of a child.
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The pair are also accused of committing an act with intent to pervert the course of justice by disposing of the body of a baby.
Harvey is further charged with procuring her own miscarriage by poison or use of instrument.
Causing your own abortion was criminalised under the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
The alleged offences took place between 1 September, 2018, and 1 December, 2018.
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They came to light when searches were carried out by police in Swindon and Cirencester in September 2020.
Harvey and Benham were released on bail on the condition they do not have any unsupervised contact with children under the age of five.
They will next appear at Gloucester Crown Court on February 3.
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