Baby found with drugs in system was 'unkempt and unclean' before tragic death

Baby found with drugs in system was 'unkempt and unclean' before tragic deathPhoebe-Rose Douglas, 10 weeks old, died after cardiac arrest with tests showing exposure to cocaine, heroin and cannabis - her parents have since admitted child crueltyNewsPeter Hennessy UK & World News Editor and Kerry Ashdown07:07, 15 Apr 2026Updated 07:08, 15 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesRoyal Stoke University HospitalA baby who died after being exposed to heroin and cocaine was discovered to have dirt beneath her fingernails and armpits after being rushed to hospital.‌Nurses raised concerns about Phoebe-Rose Douglas' 'unkempt and smelly' condition following her arrival at the Royal Stoke University Hospital, an inquest has heard.‌Paramedics had been called to an address on Meaford Drive, Blurton, following reports the 10-week-old was in cardiac arrest on the morning of October 25 2019. She was transferred to the hospital's paediatric intensive care unit, but died four days later on October 29, reports Stoke on Trent Live.‌A urine sample taken on October 29 revealed a level of cocaine, the inquest heard. Tests conducted on hair samples showed she had been exposed to cocaine, heroin and cannabis.Parents Rachel Bourne and John Douglas both admitted child cruelty at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in 2024. Bourne was jailed for 31 months and Douglas given a 10-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years.An inquest into Phoebe-Rose's death is now being held this week at Swann House, Stoke.‌View 2 ImagesA line of ambulances [file image]The inquest heard Phoebe-Rose was born in Halifax in August 2019, where her father lived. She returned to Stoke-on-Trent a month later with her mother.The inquest heard that Phoebe-Rose's parents were both drug users. Several referrals had previously been made to social services before her birth, owing to concerns raised about the family, including one in July 2019 relating to their living conditions. They were subsequently...