Tyler Morgan: Parents of two-month-old baby who died after being smothered convicted over death

Luke Morgan and Emma Cole cleared of more serious charges of murder and manslaughter

Emma Cole and Luke Morgan arriving at Stafford Crown Court during their trial (PA Wire/PA Images)

The parents of a two-month-old baby who died after suffering broken ribs and being smothered have been convicted of causing or allowing his death.

Luke Morgan, 26, and Emma Cole, 22, were also found guilty of child cruelty after a trial heard a “probable” bite mark was found on the arm of Tyler Morgan.

They were cleared of his murder and manslaughter at Stafford Crown Court but convicted of the lesser charges by majority 11-1 verdicts.

The couple, from Burntwood, Staffordshire, both denied playing any part in their son’s death in April 2014.

They are due to be sentenced next month.

The prosecution claimed the parents deliberately smothered Tyler or compressed his chest at their home after a drunken row.

Neighbours described hearing the pair arguing during the night, followed by a high-pitched scream and a loud bang.

Cole dialled 999 at 2.42am on 29th April and said her child had stopped breathing.

When paramedics arrived Morgan said he believed Tyler’s collapse was a “cot death” and claimed he had been unable to wake the boy.

Paramedics took Tyler to Walsall Manor Hospital but he was pronounced dead at 4am.

The child was found to have suffered haemorrhages caused by lack of oxygen, nasal abrasions and three fractured ribs.

Additional reporting by Press Association