Parents Sentenced Following Baby’s Neglect Death

Sentencing has occurred for the parents of an infant who passed away following exposure to heroin and cocaine. Phoebe Douglas passed away in October 2019, having been discovered “pale and floppy.” Paramedics reported observing “frothy blood” emanating from her nose and mouth as she was transported to the hospital. Rachel Bourne, 34, who resided in Stoke-on-Trent when Phoebe died and currently lives in Yorkshire, received a 31-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to child cruelty. John Douglas, 39, also a current resident of Yorkshire, was given a 10-month sentence, suspended for two years, after admitting to the identical charge. Phoebe’s grandmother conveyed in a victim impact statement: “There is a constant pain in my heart when I think of Phoebe that will be there for the rest of my life.” The court was informed that Bourne and Douglas maintained an intermittent relationship, and Douglas was not present when the infant collapsed on 25 October 2019. Upon the arrival of paramedics at 05:45 GMT, the baby was experiencing cardiac arrest and was transported to the Royal Stoke Hospital. Testimony in court revealed that after the baby’s hospitalization, Douglas exhibited distress and inquired of medical staff if they had faith in miracles. Phoebe had sustained severe brain damage resulting from oxygen deprivation, and her death occurred after the cessation of life support on 29 October 2019. Subsequent urine tests detected cocaine and heroin within the baby’s system, along with drug traces in her hair. Toxicology reports suggested the ingestion of these substances occurred either through the inhalation of smoke or dust, or via contact with surfaces contaminated with the drugs. Douglas admitted during police interviews, as presented in court, that he and Bourne consumed illicit drugs while the infant was present in the residence. Defence counsel Zahir Afzal stated that Douglas had served in the army for three-and-a-half years and suffered from PTSD. Mr. Afzal also noted that Douglas had been without employment since 2012. His mental well-being had considerably worsened since Phoebe’s passing, leading to diagnoses of recurrent depressive disorder and schizophrenia. Mr. Afzal confirmed that Douglas has since been prescribed medication and undergone counselling. Mr. Afzal further stated that his client acknowledged his failure to provide care for the baby and had confessed to drug use in her vicinity. During sentencing, Judge Graeme Smith remarked that the case encompassed “two tragedies”: the initial tragedy being the infant’s death, and the second being the detrimental effect of drugs on the parents’ lives. He commented, “It’s sad enough to see drugs ruin the life of an adult,” and further stated that it was “heartbreaking” to witness their conduct leading to Phoebe’s demise. The judge clarified that there was no indication that either Bourne or Douglas had administered drugs directly to the baby. For further updates, follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.