Man from Burnley charged with murder of baby

7 week old Abel-Jax Mailey died of head injuries last November

Author: Louisa KingPublished 12th Jul 2022
Last updated 12th Jul 2022

Detectives investigating the death of a baby in Burnley have today (Tuesday, July 12) charged a man with murder.

Lancashire Police were called around 12.10pm on Sunday, November 28, 2021, by the Ambulance Service, to an address on Piccadilly Road.

Emergency services attended and a seven-week-old baby boy was found unresponsive. The baby, Abel-Jax Mailey, was taken to hospital and later transferred to Manchester Children’s Hospital for further treatment.

Sadly, Abel-Jax died on November 30. A Home Office post-mortem examination was conducted and following further tests, established he died of a head injury.

A man and woman were initially arrested on suspicion of assault and later on suspicion of murder in connection with Abel-Jax’s death.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Oliver Mailey, 26, of Bowness Road, Burnley, has been charged with murder. He is due to appear at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Wednesday, July 13).

The woman previously arrested was released no further action.

These are tragic circumstances and our thoughts remain with Abel-Jax's family at this sad and very difficult time. They continue to be supported by our officers.