Parents of five-month-old baby who died with cocaine and alcohol in his system when mother fell asleep on top of him after downing seven cans of lager will NOT face charges 

The parents of a baby who had cocaine and alcohol in his body when he died after his mother fell asleep on top of him while drunk will not face charges, it has been revealed.

The five-month-old boy, known as Child E, was kept in squalid conditions with his parents and three other siblings.

He died after his mother drank up to seven cans of lager at a party before falling asleep with her arm across his stomach at 4.30am in May 2014.

Tragic case: The five-month-old boy, known as Child E, was kept in squalid conditions with his parents and three other siblings - and was pronounced dead at Coventry’s University Hospital (pictured)

A serious case review into his death found the mother was woken up at 9am to the sound of her brother, who was also in the bed, screaming the baby’s name.

When the baby arrived at hospital he had dirt in his ears, armpits, fingernails and navel. He also had severe cradle cap - scaly patches on his scalp - and a full wet nappy.

After failed attempts to resuscitate him, the baby was pronounced dead at Coventry’s University Hospital.

The cause of death was initially recorded as unascertained, but an inquest in April 2015 recorded a verdict of accidental death as a result of asphyxiation.

Traces of cocaine and cocaethylene, formed when alcohol mixes with cocaine, were found in Child E’s blood, bowel and urine.

The review revealed neither parent - who have a history of alcohol and drug abuse - have been prosecuted, and their three other children have been returned to them.

Shockingly, a cannabis farm was being grown in the loft above the children’s bedroom and a large knife was found embedded in the front door.

Despite the parents’ drug abuse, the report stated there was no suggestion cocaine or alcohol had been given to the baby deliberately.

It read: ‘The pathologist stated that the death should not be considered as the result of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as factors such as the unsafe sleeping environment, toxicological status or a combination may have played a role in Child E’s death.’

Police flagged up the shocking living conditions in the report which read: ‘The kitchen was dirty with grease, and the bedroom where Child E slept was damp, dirty and cluttered with food.

‘There were also used nappies and unwashed clothes in piles. The chair that Child E used was described as “filthy”. The entire address was reported to have a strong aroma of urine.’

At the time of the death cannabis was being grown in the loft above one of the children’s bedroom - accessible via an open hatch. There was also a large knife stuck into the door frame of the living room.

Investigators said there was also evidence of possible neglect and domestic violence in connection with the family.

The report raised concerns that a proper assessment of the child’s living conditions had not been undertaken prior to the youngster’s death.

This was put down to the agencies involved using an incorrect address and the mother being unavailable.

The family GP had also failed to carry out developmental checks on the baby and school officials did not visit the parents despite the baby’s older sister missing more than 50 per cent of schooling in the previous academic year.

However, the report concluded that nothing significant was missed by agencies that could have prevented the death of the baby.

In its conclusions, it read: ‘Child E’s death was an accidental occurrence that has had a profound effect on his parents, and which they regret deeply.

‘Mother was adamant and passionate about her commitment to her children and their well-being.

‘They have acknowledged many factors in their previous behaviour that were not ideal, and have made strong efforts to change their lifestyle, to reject alcohol and drug abuse, and have attempted to build a new family life after Child E’s death.’