Baby’s inquest concludes after neglect case closed
The true cause of little Freddie’s death may never be known
Parents cleared of child neglect said they finally “felt like a proper family” just days before their one-month-old baby died. Little Freddie Lomas was found unresponsive by mum and dad Danni Knowler and James Lomas at their home in Howick Lane, Aylesford in November 2016.
Miss Knowler wept as an inquest on Friday, June 28 recounted how James’ grandmother attempted CPR before paramedics rushed her son to hospital.
Doctors did 27 cycles of CPR and gave adrenaline seven times but could not save him.
Miss Knowler, and Mr Lomas, aged 19 and 20 at the time, were charged with causing unnecessary suffering or injury but were cleared when no evidence was brought against them at a trial in October.
Before and after Freddie’s birth the family received “intensive” support from a nurse and were known to social services.
Louise Brace, the family nurse who visited the home several times, said: “Danni was very receptive to Freddie’s needs, she was always giving him a cuddle, she spoke very fondly of him, she was always looking at him and touching his face and hair, when she handled him it was very gentle. I didn’t have any concerns about her attachment to Freddie.”
“James reportedly enjoyed being a father and both said things had clicked and that they felt like a proper family,” she continued.
Evidence showed Freddie had been exposed to drugs and the parents had also ignored advice not to sleep with him. He had also been unwell the day before. But a post-mortem examination could not establish the cause of his death.
Coroner Katrina Hepburn made an open conclusion as it was unclear how Freddie had died. “I’m sorry that I can’t offer you any more information,” she said to Miss Knowler.