A SEVEN-week-old baby died as a result of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, an inquest heard yesterday.

Ethan Midgley was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton, when his mother awoke to find him lifeless in bed next to her.

The child never regained consciousness and he was pronounced dead at 1.30pm on Friday, August 18.

Ethan's mother, Kelly Marie Midgley, 22, told the hearing at Teesside Magistrates' Court that she had returned home to St James' House, Stockton, at about 3.30am after spending the evening drinking and watching the England versus Switzerland during the summer's European Championships.

Her sister, Tracy, had cared for Ethan while his mother was out and she said the baby had not shown any sign of illness throughout the night.

Miss Midgley said the baby woke for a feed during the night and would not settle, so she put him in bed with her until she awoke at 12.30pm to find him lifeless.

Her friend Karen Hall, who arrived at the flat at that time, said: "Kelly came running out saying 'the baby's dead, the baby's dead'. I tried to give the baby mouth to mouth and told Kelly to go and get help."

Home Office pathologist Dr Mark Egan said there was no evidence of injuries or of his mother falling asleep and laying on him.

Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield recorded a verdict of natural death as a result of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.