Murder trial told baby Tyler Morgan found with 'bite mark to arm'
A nine-week-old baby alleged to have been murdered by his parents had what appeared to be a bite mark on his arm, a court heard.
Prosecutors say that Luke Morgan and Emma Cole intentionally smothered baby Tyler Morgan or compressed his chest at their home in Sunnymead Road, in Burntwood, in the early hours of April 29, 2014.
Stafford Crown Court heard yesterday that there was a significant delay before his parents called emergency services.
An ambulance was called at about 2.40am.
When paramedics arrived Morgan was heard to ask Cole why she had not woken up and repeatedly asked if it was cot death.
Tyler was rushed to Walsall Manor Hospital and pronounced dead shortly after 4am.
The jury heard that tests showed Tyler had a mark on his right forearm which resembled a human bite mark, three fractured ribs and several red marks to his face.
In opening the case, prosecutor Mr Andrew Smith QC said their position was that Tyler’s collapse was due to him being “intentionally smothered and/or his chest being compressed” which occurred when the defendants were alone with Tyler.
He said Tyler had sustained other serious injuries prior to his death, including fractured ribs, which could have only been caused while in the care of his parents.
Cole, 22, and Morgan, 26, both of Byron Close, Burntwood, deny murder, manslaughter, causing or allowing an infant’s death, and child cruelty.
The trial, which could last up to six weeks, continues.
