Wolverhampton mother admits role in heroin death of child

Daniel Jones was found dead at home in Windsor Avenue, Penn. His death was initially treated as unexplained but tests later showed he died due to a heroin overdose.

Yesterday, his mother, Emma Bradburn, 33, admitted allowing or causing his death when she appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

She stood in the dock alongside Daniel's father, Simon Jones, 30, during yesterday's short hearing. He denied the same charge. The couple also each denied a charge of mansl-aughter and will stand trial later this year.

Paramedics were called to the couple's home in Windsor Avenue at 6.15am on May 29.

Photos from Jones' Facebook page emerged showing a smiling Daniel in a car seat as well as Bradburn and Jones with a baby on a bed. After Daniel's death it emerged an inquiry would be held by Wolverhampton social services, police and the Probation Service.

The Wolverhampton Safeguarding Children Board is carrying out the serious case review. The board is made up of a number of agencies.

It can launch a serious case review in a number of instances including when abuse or neglect is known or suspected and either a child dies or is seriously harmed and there are concerns about how organisations or professionals worked together to safeguard him.

When news of the youngster's death emerged, neighbours spoke of their shock at what happened and said Daniel's death had been "devastating".

At the time, Anthony Baker, aged 67, and daughter Natalie, 38, who live next door, described Daniel as an "ordinary child".

Mr Baker added: "It was devastating. He was an ordinary child. I used to have a laugh with him over the fence." Miss Baker said: "He was a normal happy child."

Jones and Bradburn were remanded in custody and will return for a plea and case management hearing on May 17.

They will be tried before a High Court Judge at Nottingham Crown Court on July 8.