Father remanded in custody over son's death Man charged with murder of his terminally ill child

The rare inherited condition - which causes progressive physical and mental deterioration and for which there is no known cure - affects one in 150,000 people.

In the average decade, 39 babies are born with Hunter syndrome in the UK. In its most severe form, the condition can result in death for young children and few survive into their twenties.

Mr Wragg spoke only to confirm his name and age during the 10-minute hearing.

He was remanded until August 5 when he will appear before a judge at Lewes Crown Court. There was no application for bail, although a full application for his release is expected to be made at the court.

Robert Wragg, the accused's father, was joined in court by Chris and Tina, his other son and daughter, to hear Angela McGuinness outline the case for the prosecution.

Mary Wragg, Jacob's 40-year-old mother, who was arrested with her husband on Saturday night, is not thought to have been in court.

Mr Wragg was charged on Monday night while his wife, who has campaigned to raise money for Hunter syndrome children, was released.

Miss McGuinness described the case as tragic, and said Mr Wragg had returned from Iraq as a security officer in the weeks before Jacob's death.

The court heard that, days before Jacob died on Saturday at the family home, Mr and Mrs Wragg took their younger son George, six, on holiday to a Center Parcs resort - leaving Jacob in respite care.

The family then returned home and the court was told that, on the day of the alleged murder, Mrs Wragg took George to her mother's house.

She and her husband were arrested after an emergency call was made on Saturday reporting Jacob's condition. The couple were detained in custody until Monday night.

Speaking after yesterday's hearing, Oscar Vincent, acting for Mr Wragg, said: ''It is a deeply tragic case involving many issues with which the family have yet to come to terms and which will be dealt with in due course.

''In the meantime, I hope the family will be allowed to grieve in peace.''

Yesterday a police cordon sealing off the close where

the Wragg family live had

been removed after officers searched the property over the weekend.

Neighbours spoke of their shock at the incident.

A friend of the Wragg family said: ''Jacob was the oldest of two boys. He was a lovely lad but it was dreadful for everyone knowing he was going to die from Hunter syndrome.

''Mary shouldered much of the care and Andy played his full part in supporting Jacob. Jacob had been very poorly of late and he was in respite care on a regular basis.

''Andy was really cut up about Jacob, knowing what his condition meant. It was a huge strain for them both and the whole family.''

Hunter syndrome is carried by the mother and passed only to sons.

The condition causes a deficiency in the body of an enzyme called iduronate sulphate sulphatase which is vital for breaking down long chains of sugar molecules called mucopolysaccharides. Without it, the molecules build up until they reach toxic levels.

Acute cases of the syndrome tend to affect young boys who begin to show a range of distressing symptoms, usually from the age of two, including a high level of mental retardation, aggressive behaviour and hyperactivity.

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