POLICE have revealed that a man and woman have been charged in connection with an alleged illegal abortion.

The pair - Sophie Harvey, 23, from Cirencester and Elliot Benham, 23, from Swindon - are charged with allegedly using 'poison' in the illegal miscarriage case and disposing of the body of a baby. 

The offences are alleged to have taken place five years ago between September 1, 2018 and December 1, 2018.

Previously, searches were conducted in Swindon and Cirencester in September 2020 in connection with the investigation, which was initially referred to as a 'historic murder investigation' by Gloucestershire police.

Specialist police officers spent a week searching a property in St Mary's Road in the Beeches area of Cirencester. 

Forensic tent and police search 

As part of the searches, a forensic tent was erected in the front garden of the house in St Mary’s Road and there was a large police presence with vans parked outside the address.

Dog handlers from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary also attended the scene.

At the time, the searches were said to have been connected to allegations concerning a 'non-recent' death.

Swindon Advertiser: A photo of the scene in October 2020 where a forensics tent was erected in the front garden of the house in St Mary’s Road, CirencesterA photo of the scene in October 2020 where a forensics tent was erected in the front garden of the house in St Mary’s Road, Cirencester (Image: Newsquest)

Swindon Advertiser: A photo of the scene in October 2020 where there was a large police presence with vans parked outside the house in St Mary’s Road, CirencesterA photo of the scene in October 2020 where there was a large police presence with vans parked outside the house in St Mary’s Road, Cirencester (Image: Newsquest)

In pictures taken at the time by the Adver's sister paper, The Wiltshire and Gloucestershire Standard, a child’s playhouse can also be seen in the front garden of the Cirencester property. 

In addition police also searched a home in Wingfield, Kingsdown, Swindon.

A large forensic tent was seen in the back garden of the property.

At the time, police spokesperson confirmed that two people had been arrested on suspicion of murder - but did not reveal their identities 

Swindon Advertiser: A photo of the scene in Wingfield, Swindon in September 2020. Newsquest / Swindon Advertiser Dave CoxA photo of the scene in Wingfield, Swindon in September 2020. Newsquest / Swindon Advertiser Dave Cox (Image: Newsquest / Swindon Advertiser Dave Cox)

“The investigation relates to an incident that did not take place recently and, while we cannot give further details at this time, we can reassure the community that there is no threat to the wider public,” a spokesperson said.

“Neighbourhood officers have been offering reassurance to local residents in both areas but while enquiries are ongoing and the case is active we would ask people not to speculate on social media.”

The pair were due to be released on police bail until October 26, 2020 which was initially extended in December 2020 and was again extended in April and June 2021. 

No further information was released at the time. 

Tuesday's probe update 

However, Gloucestershire police announced on Tuesday afternoon that Sophie Harvey, aged 23, of St Mary's Road, Cirencester, and Elliot Benham, aged 23, of Wingfield, Kingsdown in Swindon, have been released on bail and will appear in Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Thursday, January 5.

They have been jointly charged with:

  • Procuring a poison / noxious thing to cause a miscarriage, contrary to Section 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861
  • Concealing of the birth of a child, contrary to Section 60 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861
  • Committing an act with intent to pervert the course of public justice contrary to common law, namely disposing of the body of a baby

In addition to these, Harvey is charged with procuring her own miscarriage by poison/use of instrument, contrary to Section 58 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.

Charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service following an investigation by Gloucestershire constabulary's Major Crime Investigation Team.

In England abortions are legal up to 24 weeks’ gestation if carried out by a registered medical practitioner, and can be carried out after 24 weeks in very limited circumstances. 

The Offences Against the Person Act 1861 states it is a criminal offence to try to cause your own abortion.

It is alleged in this case that the pregnancy was past 24 weeks and was not carried out by a registered medical practitioner.