Halifax man to stand trial for manslaughter

Daniel Kedge, 40, appeared at Leeds Crown Court alongside co-defendant Claire Johnson, 41, accused of the manslaughter of Natasha Johnson - Claire’s daughter.

Kedge, of Carlton Terrace in Halifax, is also charged with supplying heroin to Miss Johnson before she died.

Tragic 21-year-old Natasha died in May last year from an alleged heroin overdose.

Both defendants appeared in court on Monday July 7, when the court was told the case will concern issues about what happened and whether a duty of care was owed to Miss Johnson if it was known that she had taken heroin.

And at that hearing, a provisional trial date of February 16 was set, with Simon Phillips QC prosecuting telling the court the trial is estimated to last a fortnight.

The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC said that might have to change following consultation with the Presiding Judge for the North Eastern Circuit but added: “I hope we will be able to keep that date.”

He told the defendants they must submit a defence case statement by the next hearing.

Johnson of Market Way, Scarborough and Kedge were granted conditional bail until a plea and case management hearing on September 15.

Both defendants were given instructions not to contact each other and Kedge was also ordered not to enter Market Way.

Previously, the pair appeared at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court for an initial hearing.

Johnson was flanked by supporters during the brief hearings, which were held separately.