Baby Reggie: Inquest into death of infant killed by family dog expected to take more than a year

A pre-inquest review hearing was held yesterday into the death of Reggie Simon Richardson Young, who died aged just 20 days old on June 20, last year.

He is believed to have been attacked by the family dog Tricky, a Lakeland Terrier. The tot was pronounced dead at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Scores of flowers and touching tributes were left outside the family home in Falkland Road, Ford Estate, after the incident.

Reggie’s father, Ryan Young, 30, last month appeared at Sunderland Magistrates’ Court to deny wilfully assaulting, neglecting or ill-treating his son, for whom he was responsible at the time of the tragedy.

He also pleaded not guilty to allowing the dog to cause injury which resulted in the death of Reggie, while dangerously out of control.

Young, who gave his address as Holborn Road, Hylton Lane Estate, will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on February 18.

At a short hearing at Sunderland Coroner’s Court yesterday, the city’s assistant coroner Karin Welsh said: “Investigations are still ongoing and as a result of those inquiries, which may take some time to conclude, I propose to adjourn these matters for a further hearing on May 17.

“I anticipate that that will be a review hearing.”