No charges are expected to be brought against a journalist who took the body of her newborn baby to hospital in carrier bag.

Following the conclusion of an inquest into the death of the child, the Crown Prosecution Service and South Yorkshire Police have said Ilkeston Advertiser reporter Emma Kerns will not be prosecuted.

Emma had kept her pregnancy secret and gave birth to the baby – who she named Sian – alone.

A coroner this week recorded a narrative verdict, saying he was unable to record a verdict of natural causes or another short verdict because a post mortem examination could not establish a cause of death.

Following the inquest, Nigel Cowgill, chief crown prosecutor, CPS South Yorkshire, said: “A senior lawyer has carefully considered the whole of the evidence available and has advised that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.

“If any additional information comes to light then the CPS will reconsider the case in accordance with the code for crown prosecutors.”

Detective Inspector Kevin Brown added: “At this present time, following extensive investigations there is insufficient evidence to conclude the cause of death of Sian Kerns.

“The police agree with the Crown Prosecution Service that there is insufficient evidence to charge anyone in this matter and unless any significant new information is forthcoming the matter will be closed.”