Cot Death Parents: Makers 'Despicable'

17 December 2016, 10:20 | Updated: 17 December 2016, 10:37

The manufacturers of a cot in which a seven-week old baby died at the family home in Haywards Heath have apologised to the parents for the distress they suffered.

The inquest into Grace Roseman's death heard how the makers, Bednest, attempted to imply her two-and-a-half-year old sister, Pearl, was somehow responsible

The Rosemans have spoken of their shock at the "unfounded allegations" by lawyers representing Bednest.

Esther Roseman said after the inquest: "I had to fight, it took me to anger, it wasn't about Grace any more, it was about protecting Pearl.'' She added that the coroner's verdict was a "huge relief''.

West Sussex coroner Penelope Schofield told the Horsham inquest that there was no evidence that Pearl was involved.

She said: "I find there is no evidence whatsoever to support the suggestion that Pearl could have entered Grace's room or was in any way linked to Grace's death.''

She added: "It must have been particularly harrowing for the suggestion by the Bednest experts of your daughter's involvement. I do find this unpalatable, particularly as there was no evidence to suggest this proposition.''

Family solicitor Jill Greenfield, of Fieldfisher, said: "`Gideon and Esther are bewildered, shocked and deeply hurt by the suggestion that their other daughter could possibly be implicated in Grace's death.

"They always knew that the NCT Bednest cot killed their baby. They have spent the time since her death seeking to protect their family.

"Rather than force the Rosemans to undergo cross examination at this inquest, Bednest could and should have apologised to the family.

"Grace's parents fought these allegations to protect their family, knowing that they were completely untrue. They are immensely relieved that the truth has finally been confirmed.''

During the inquest, Gideon Roseman said the sibling would have had to act like a ``special forces soldier'' in order to open Grace's bedroom door because of the height of the handles.