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Couple jailed for smothering their nine-week-old son to death after a booze-fuelled row about sex

Father handed eight years, the mother five

A couple have been jailed after one of them smothered their newborn baby son to death after a booze-fuelled row about SEX.

Luke Morgan, 26, and Emma Cole, 22, were found guilty of causing or allowing the death of nine-week-old Tyler Morgan.

Hours before his death on April 29, 2014, neighbours heard the cruel pair rowing about being short of money.

Residents also said Morgan was angry because he wanted to have sex with Cole but had been prevented from doing so because Tyler was still awake.

Paramedics were called to the couple’s two-bedroom flat on Byron Close, in Burntwood, Staffs., at around 2.42am to find the child unresponsive.

Emma Cole arriving at court (Credit: SWNS)

Tyler was rushed to Walsall Manor Hospital where he was later pronounced dead by paramedics shortly after 4am.

On Friday (21/6) Morgan was jailed for eight years while Cole was caged for five years at Stafford Crown Court.

Judge Michael Chambers QC said: “One of you deliberately smothered the child. The other was aware of the risks and failed to protect him.

“I am satisfied there was a delay of up to one hour before calling an ambulance.”

Judge Chambers said he found Morgan was also responsible for a bite mark on Tyler’s forearm and rib fractures.

Prosecutor Andrew Smith QC said: “Luke Morgan was angry because he wanted to have sex with Miss Cole and had been prevented by Tyler being up.

“On the night of April 28, a neighbour went to bed at 10.30pm and she could hear them having an argument about having no money Emma was sobbing.

“In the early hours of April 29 there was a high pitch screech from Miss Cole.”

Luke Morgan arriving at court (Credit: SWNS)

The court heard an ambulance was called to the couple’s home at 2.4am after Morgan said he had kissed his son’s forehead and it felt cool to the touch.

Tyler was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 4.30am.

After the case, Tyler’s grandparents said in a statement: “Losing Tyler was the worst day of our lives.

“Not knowing how or why is the worst situation we could have been in.

“To think it’s been five years since we lost this beautiful baby boy and it’s only now, we are getting answers.

“We miss you so much, Tyler and not a day goes by where we don’t think of you.

“Our family has been ripped apart during the last five years. We now have to find a way of carrying on now that this trial has finished.”


Kaggie Hyland
Editor-in-Chief