Louise Porton trial: Woman murdered her two young daughters within weeks of each other, court hears

Twenty-two-year-old accused of killing her children in 2018

Warwick Crown Court (SWNS)

A woman allegedly murdered her two young daughters in separate incidents within weeks of each other, a court has been told.

Louise Porton, 22, is accused of killing 16-month-old Scarlett Vaughan and three-year-old Lexi Draper.

Lexi died in hospital after she was been found unconscious at her home in Rugby in the early hours of 15 January, Warwickshire Police said.

Scarlett then died on the night of 1 February, after paramedics responded to a report that she had fallen ill, officers added.

Ms Porton of Rugby, Warwickshire, appeared at Warwick Crown Court on Tuesday.

She appeared in custody in the dock accompanied by a security officer, and spoke only to give her name, date of birth and confirm her nationality as white British.

Her case was adjourned for a plea hearing on 4 March at Birmingham Crown Court.

A three-week trial date was set for July, to be heard by a High Court judge.

Judge Andrew Lockhart QC told the defendant: "Ms Porton, you'll be tried in Birmingham, starting on July 8.

"If that date is to move, you will hear through your lawyers.

"Your case will be listed for a further hearing on March 4, when you will be before the court and required to plead not guilty or guilty to the indictment.

"You're remanded into custody."

Additional reporting from agencies