A pair who uncared for their child son within the months earlier than his demise are going through jail.
Stephen Angell, 44, and Laura Stevenson, 46, subjected Stephen Angell Jnr to harrowing mistreatment and he turned ‘exceptionally skinny’ earlier than he died.
Traces of the category C drug diazepam had been present in his milk bottle.
Stephen’s reason for demise couldn’t be decided however medical doctors had requested he be monitored ‘very carefully’, and social work information confirmed issues had been raised about his welfare whereas he was nonetheless alive.
Angell and Stevenson, of East Kilbride, denied any wrongdoing however had been convicted of wilfully neglecting Stephen between August and November 2018 after a trial at Hamilton Sheriff Courtroom.
Stephen Angell (proper), 44, and Laura Stevenson (left), 46, subjected Stephen Angell Jnr to harrowing mistreatment and he turned ‘exceptionally skinny’ earlier than he died
Laura Stevenson was seen in a yellow jacket smoking a cigarette
Stephen’s (pictured) reason for demise couldn’t be decided however medical doctors had requested he be monitored ‘very carefully’, and social work information confirmed issues had been raised about his welfare whereas he was nonetheless alive
The courtroom heard that the newborn had been hungry and soiled when he was examined by medical professionals and there have been issues his mother and father weren’t assembly his dietary wants.
Professor Charlotte Wright mentioned Stephen jnr was ‘exceptionally skinny’ when she examined him.
Throughout one alternate, Stevenson and Angell had been suggested to extend the quantity of child components they had been feeding Stephen, however Angell replied: ‘If it is not broke, do not repair it.’
Dr Adrienne Sullivan mentioned she examined the newborn in October 2018 amid issues over his failure to achieve weight.
She mentioned that his fingers, toes and armpits had been soiled, and he had lengthy nails and a scent of physique odour which was ‘uncommon’.
She had issues about diet after he gained 100g in three days beneath medical supervision however was struggling to achieve weight at residence.
In proof, Dr Sullivan mentioned: ‘There was a failure to supply Stephen with enough diet to supply the enough achieve that you’d count on from a toddler who’s being bottle fed.
‘If you aren’t getting sufficient to eat then you do not have sufficient constructing blocks to develop, you do not have the constructing blocks on your mind to develop. I really useful the well being customer monitor him very carefully.’
In a report, well being customer Ann-Marie Hamilton additionally wrote: ‘He nonetheless seems hungry following a feed however mother and father do not seem conscious of this.’
Stevenson had additionally as soon as acquired drunk and left her son with a lady who was disabled and ‘morbidly overweight’ and had gone to mattress, the jury heard.
Stephen jnr was later found soaked in urine within the girl’s arms by her horrified daughter.
Depute fiscal John Coogan advised jurors the presence of medicine in a child bottle summed up the case in opposition to the pair.
He mentioned: ‘The presence of diazepam contained in the bottle presents an completely compelling image that child Stephen was uncovered to the danger of ingesting medication and that’s in opposition to a background of each accused being advised of the significance of a sterile bottle.’
The courtroom heard that the newborn had been hungry and soiled when he was examined by medical professionals and there have been issues his mother and father weren’t assembly his dietary wants
Throughout one alternate, Stevenson and Angell had been suggested to extend the quantity of child components they had been feeding Stephen, however Angell replied: ‘If it is not broke, do not repair it’
Defence legal professionals claimed that each Angell and Stevenson had been being scapegoated by well being care professionals.
George Gebbie, defending Angell, mentioned: ‘He was determined for the healthcare professionals to provide him the suitable recommendation and plainly from the proof they simply would not pay attention.’
Sheriff Colin Dunipace deferred sentence on each defendants till July for stories and continued bail.
Scottish Conservative well being spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane mentioned: ‘The tragic demise of Stephen Angell jnr following months of despicable mistreatment is deeply upsetting.
‘These accountable should now be held to account for his or her crimes.’
