A baby boy who stopped breathing at three months old died in his mother’s arms, a court has heard. 

William White, affectionately called Billy, was born prematurely at 27 weeks (about six months old) via emergency c-section on March 17 last year. 

At an inquest into his death, Norfolk Coroner’s Court heard how the tot weighed just 725g (1lbs 6oz) when he was born and had numerous medical issues.

He was later discharged home from the James Paget Hospital on June 8. He weighed 2.29kg (5lbs) and was able to feed via a bottle. 

On June 30, an ambulance was called to The Street in Acle after Billy was found not breathing by his mother, Phoebe White. 

A written statement from Detective Inspector Louise Wallace, of Norfolk Constabulary, was read out to the court at County Hall, Norwich, at the inquest on January 9. 

She described how Miss White told officers that her son had been “restless for the last few days” and his sleep “lighter”. 

Eastern Daily Press: An inquest into the death of William Billy White took place at Norfolk Coroner's CourtAn inquest into the death of William Billy White took place at Norfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)

She last fed him at 11.30pm and he eventually went to sleep after struggling to settle. When she woke at around 4am, she noticed he had stopped breathing and called 999. 

Det Insp Wallace said: “He was completely unresponsive when she woke.   

"Phoebe started CPR, having been trained to do so before leaving the neonatal unit.” 

Dr Nicola Wallace, a consultant in emergency medicine at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, confirmed that Billy arrived at the emergency department at 5.21am via an ambulance. 

She said: “We made a team decision that resus should be discontinued. 

“Resuscitation was stopped at 5.30am and William was placed in his mother’s arms.” 

A post-mortem gave the medical cause of death as unascertained. 

Recording a short narrative conclusion, area coroner Jacqueline Lake said: “William was born prematurely with numerous medical issues.  

“The evidence does not reveal the means by which William came by his death."

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