A young father accused of throwing his 11-month-old baby into a river has appeared in court.
Zak Bennett-Eko faces two charges – murder and an alternative of manslaughter – following the death of his son Zakari.
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Zakari, also known as Zak, was rescued from the River Irwell in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, after reports that a child was in the water last Wednesday afternoon.
The infant, who died just weeks before his first birthday, was taken to hospital from the scene in the town centre, but died a short time later.
Bennett-Eko, 22, made a brief appearance at Manchester Crown Court via prison videolink on Monday morning.
The dad, of no fixed address, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and his nationality as mixed-race British.
He did not enter a plea during his first appearance at crown court.
Bennett-Eko wore a grey jumper and a blue vest over the top of it as he appeared from Forest Bank prison in Salford, the Manchester Evening News reported
Zakari ‘melted hearts’
Last week, Zakari’s mum Emma Blood, 22, paid tribute to the boy, describing him as a “cheeky little chappie with a smile that melted hearts”.
She said her son was “a happy and content baby with a gorgeous little smile and a head full of curls”.
She said: “Zakari was my life for 11 months and will be the heart of our family for many years to come.”
Zakari was the “youngest of five generations of our family and was loved beyond belief”, she added.
