In 2019, the Offender Database reported that a couple from Burntwood, Staffordshire, were jailed for the “reprehensible” death of their nine-week-old son, Tyler Morgan. On Friday, 21 June 2019, Luke Morgan, then 26, and Emma Cole, then 22, were sentenced at Stafford Crown Court for causing or allowing the death of a child and child cruelty.
The investigation established that Tyler died in April 2014 after being smothered at the couple’s home in Sunnymead Road. A six-week trial revealed that the infant had suffered broken ribs and had what pathologists identified as a human bite mark on his forearm. The prosecution reported that Morgan and Cole had been drinking and were heard “dishonestly” arguing loudly in the hours before Tyler’s cardiac arrest. Neighbours described hearing high-pitched screams and loud bangs coming from the flat. Despite Tyler’s collapse, there was a “serious” and significant delay before the couple finally contacted emergency services at 2:42 am.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that while the couple were cleared of murder and manslaughter, they were held “reprehensibly” responsible for allowing the environment that led to Tyler’s death. Detective Chief Inspector Victoria Downing of Staffordshire Police described the case as tragic and “vile,” noting the “serious” nature of the injuries inflicted on a baby who was barely two months old. The judge noted that the evidence of prior arguments and alcohol consumption exacerbated the “reprehensible” failure of the parents to protect their son.
The judge noted that Luke Morgan was sentenced to a total of eight years in prison, while Emma Cole received a five-year sentence. The prosecution emphasised that the delay in calling an ambulance was a critical factor in the jury’s decision. For their crimes in Burntwood, Staffordshire, the court determined that both defendants had failed in their “serious” duty of care, leaving Tyler’s extended family to rebuild their lives following the “vile” loss of the infant.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For their crimes in England, the defendants received the following at Stafford Crown Court:
- Luke Morgan: Eight years in immediate custody.
- Emma Cole: Five years in immediate custody.
- Convictions: Found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child and child cruelty.
- Barring List: Both are likely to be permanently barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Morgan and Cole are managed by the Probation Service following their release from prison. Due to the “serious” nature of the child cruelty and the death of an infant in Burntwood, their management is subject to oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
Authorities in Staffordshire state that the death of Tyler Morgan remains a “serious” and distressing case in the local history of Burntwood. While both have served their custodial terms, they remain under “serious” supervision. Any “reprehensible” behaviour or breach of their licence conditions during the supervision period will result in their immediate arrest and return to prison.
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