Parents and grandmother charged over toddler's death

Three members of the same family have been charged over the death of a toddler who drowned in a garden pond in Bristol, it has emerged.

Two-year-old Daniel Marshall Rees-Smith was found in the water at his grandmother's home in Mount Hill Road, Hanham, on June 4.

Daniel's grandmother, Hilary Rees, 44, his mother, Charlotte Rees-Smith, 19 and father Andrew Marshall, 21, were charged on Saturday with the manslaughter and neglect of the toddler.

Daniel was found at about 10.45pm and taken to Bristol Children's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police were called to Ms Rees's home about half an hour after he was found. An Avon and Somerset Police spokeswoman confirmed all three have been charged and released on bail.

Ms Rees, of Mount Hill Road, Hanham, Miss Rees-Smith of Hicks Court, St George, Bristol and Mr Marshall from Wrington, Somerset, will appear at North Avon Magistrates Court on November 15.

Daniel had lived with his parents in St George.

A tribute page set up on social-networking site Facebook has attracted more than 1,275 followers. It said Daniel was born on May 2, 2008. Shortly after his death, Miss Rees-Smith wrote: "hey dan its mummy remember dont stay up to late u gt to be up early to watch over me n daddy ok nite love u sleep tight x x x x x miss u x x x x x."

Mr Marshall added: "Hello baby boy. I miss you so much you golden locks and that beautiful smile which touched so many hearts x x x love you so much love daddy x x x."

The dedication on the page reads: "Daniel was a gorgeous little boy who was loved by many and touched the hearts of everyone he met. You're sorely missed by all your family and friends little man. Everyone loves you so so so much."