Woman charged with baby kidnap is refused bail

Mother-of-three Mrs Denise Giddings (33) was yesterday remanded in custody for seven days accused of the abduction of baby Karli…

Mother-of-three Mrs Denise Giddings (33) was yesterday remanded in custody for seven days accused of the abduction of baby Karli Hawthorne. Mrs Giddings, from Langdon Hills, Basildon, Essex, appeared before a packed magistrates court in the town for a hearing which lasted just over half an hour. Ms Giddings was handcuffed by guards as she left the court. An application for bail was turned down.

Mrs Giddings's family were in court yesterday and were upset at the decision. Her parents, Donald and Patricia Longley, were joined by Mrs Giddings's sister, Ms Tina Carpenter, and by Mr Leslie Giddings, her husband.

Mr Barry Spanjar, solicitor for Mrs Giddings, said afterwards outside the court: "We are going to appeal to the Crown Court later this week for bail. The reason given for keeping her in custody was that it was for her own protection. We feel we can overcome that particular objection. As you can see her whole family were here supporting Denise. They are all behind her.

"She is very grateful Karli is unharmed and we are all relieved this is over without any real damage being done. The family are very shocked and very distressed."

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The prosecutor, Mr Cyrus Shroff, began the hearing and gave his objections against bail being granted for Mrs Giddings.

He was then followed by defence counsel, Ms Clare Wade, who argued that Mrs Giddings should be granted bail and al lowed to stay at an address outside Basildon.

The small court was packed with members of the media, as well as Mrs Giddings's close family as the legal arguments continued for just over half an hour.

Mrs Giddings is accused of abducting baby Karli from the maternity unit at Basildon General Hospital on Friday afternoon.

The baby - daughter of Mr Karl Hawthorne and Ms Tanya Hawthorne - was only three hours old when she was allegedly taken by Mrs Giddings.

The baby was found about 12 hours later by Essex police officers. Mother and baby are said to be doing fine and are expected to be discharged from hospital tomorrow.