30 January 2012 Last updated at 08:55 ET

Scott Hepburn in court over Ashley Johnson's death

A man has appeared in court accused of murdering a toddler in Stoke-on-Trent.

Ashley Johnson, 18 months old, of Woodgate Street in Meir, was taken to hospital on Friday morning but died as a result of a head injury.

Scott Hepburn, 32, was arrested along with a 29-year-old woman from the Stoke-on-Trent area. The woman was later released without charge.

Mr Hepburn, from Fenton, was remanded in custody at North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court.

He is due to appear at Stafford Crown Court on Wednesday.

Staffordshire Police said the woman had been receiving support from specially trained officers following the death.

Officers are carrying out high-visibility patrols in the area to reassure members of the public, a spokesman added.