THE MOTHER of tiny Holly Agius who died from a suspected methadone overdose has been charged over her baby daughter's death.

Police last night confirmed that 27-year-old Bonny Richards, and a man, aged 31, who they would not name, had both been charged with two counts of administering poison with intent to endanger life or inflict grievous bodily harm.

The pair each also face charges of assault, ill-treating and neglecting a child.

The 14-month-old baby was found in an "extremely poorly condition" at home in Broadwell, near Coleford, on January 12. She died later at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

A month afterwards, Richards was arrested along with a man on suspicion of administering poison.

The pair have been bailed to appear at Gloucester Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, July 22.

Specialist pathologist Dr Steve Wills, of Sandwell Hospital, Birmingham, said at the opening of Holly's inquest in March that although doctors had at that point been unable to ascertain the exact cause of death, it was believed Holly may have swallowed the heroin substitute methadone.

Methadone is a synthetic drug developed in Germany and the green liquid is commonly prescribed to wean drug addicts off heroin.

An overdose of methadone can cause vomiting and breathing difficulties, leading to coma and death in the worst cases. The young mum, who also has a four-year-old daughter and grew up in Ledbury, lives in a two-bedroom council house.

Coleford resident Linda Jones, said at the time: "It is shocking.

"The death of a young baby in a community like Coleford is something everyone will feel, it is such sad news."

At the opening of the inquest in March, the court heard social services had also launched an inquiry into Holly's death.