Father accidentally squashes baby to death after falling asleep on the sofa

Ian Kirby had been drinking with friends while watching a football match the night before the incident happened.

After falling asleep on the sofa, the 42-year-old was woken by daughter Sarah, 13, who had carried nine-month-old Scott from his cot into the living room because he was crying.

The father tried to feed Scott before laying back with the child face down on his chest at about 7.15am on January 9 last year.

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Mr Kirby, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, said: "The next thing I knew was at 9.15am when I woke. Scott had slipped down between my right side and the back of the sofa.

"I realised his head was limp, I tried to resuscitate him and called for an ambulance. I knew things were very bad."

Despite the efforts of paramedics and then doctors at Calderdale Royal Hospital, Scott could not be revived.

"I felt utterly hopeless and distraught," Mr Kirby said.

Pathologist Dr Philip Batman, said: "The most likely cause of Scott's death was asphyxia."

Recording a verdict of accidental death, West Yorkshire Coroner Roger Whittaker said the family needed no reminding of the potential dangers caused by parents sleeping on couches with their babies.

He said: "I have dealt with all too many of these totally avoidable deaths. I hope that the tragedy involving this family may be a warning to others.

"I would also warn mothers of the dangers of co-sleeping as this can lead to similar tragedies."

Grandmother Audrey Kirby, 62, said: "Everyone that met Scott loved him. He was such a happy little baby, always laughing and kicking his little legs.

"I love him so much and just wish he was here. He was my little ray of sunshine."