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JAILED: Mother killed toddler son with methadone

A drug-taking mother has today been jailed for manslaughter after she gave her toddler son methadone.

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Kelly Emery, aged 34, was found guilty by jury at Nottingham Crown Court following Fenton Hogan's death - just 17 days before his second birthday.

Emery, of Cotswold Close, Frankley, Birmingham, had called the Ambulance Service at 11.20am stating she had found her son Fenton, who had been sleeping on a living room sofa, cold and unresponsive. Paramedics rushed Fenton to hospital on July 1, 2013, but just an hour later he was pronounced dead.

Following extensive examinations after his death, it was found that he had been exposed to methadone on more than one occasion.

Days before his death, Fenton had enjoyed a fun-filled weekend with his grandparents Lyn and Terry Wheeldon while Emery had kicked off her Friday night by smoking cocaine. Emery also admitted to taking the drug after her son had arrived home on the Sunday night.

Leading the investigation, Detective Inspector Bob Sutton, said: "Any child death is a tragedy. Fenton Hogan was almost two years old and should have had the rest of his live to look forward to. Instead his short life was taken by the actions of his mother, who should have been there to safeguard and protect him.

"Kelly Emery's life was influenced by her addiction to drugs. Her daily routine evolved around the consumption of drugs. This was to the detriment of those she had direct care for. She has today, rightly been convicted for her actions.

"Fenton's extended family agrees that no sentence is sufficient or will help to heal what happened to Fenton. The impact of Kelly's actions will remain with all of the family forever."

Emery was found not guilty of child cruelty charges.

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