Baby in freezer 'died of neglect'

The new-born baby found dead in a freezer at the home of the former Rank chief executive's daughter Emma Gifford may have died from neglect, an inquest was told yesterday.

The baby's body, wrapped in a carrier bag, was discovered at Ms Gifford's home in Onslow Gardens, Kensington, west London, on 8 May.

Coroner's officer Keith Rees told the hearing at Westminster Coroner's Court: "A male infant, believed to have been born on about April 5, was removed from a freezer.

"The identification was done by his mother, Emma Gifford, who resided at the address."

Pathologist Dr Iain West said he had been unable to establish the exact cause of death. "The precise cause of death is not ascertained because the autopsy findings are largely negative. It was probably lack of care or obstruction of the airways. These are the two major causes."

The coroner, Dr Paul Knapman, adjourned the inquest until 29 May pending further police inquiries.

No member of the child's family attended the brief hearing and Ms Gifford, 20, is believed to be currently receiving treatment in hospital.

The baby, who was found by Ms Gifford's brother, Kris, is believed to have died about two hours after being born.

Police are reportedly attempting to trace Ms Gifford's former boyfriend, Joseph Ernst, an architecture student at Edinburgh University, who is currently on holiday in Spain. Their relationship ended in March.

Her father, Michael Gifford, retired last month as chief executive of the Rank Leisure Organisation. Mr Gifford, 60, of Little Chart, Kent, has refused to comment about the death.

Ms Gifford is believed to be receiving psychiatric treatment.