Terminal boy 'happy and active'

Jacob was happy and loved football and videos, carers said

Carers of a terminally ill 10-year-old smothered by his father have told a court he was "happy, affectionate and inquisitive" up until his death.

Former SAS soldier Andrew Wragg, 37, denies murdering Jacob at their home in Worthing, West Sussex, last July.

He admits manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Lewes Crown Court heard on Monday that despite Jacob's worsening condition, he remained an active boy who enjoyed football, swimming and watching videos.

There was a lot of interaction between Andy and Jacob Pauline Swindells

The jury has been told the child suffered with Hunter Syndrome.

Ricky Challenger, who was employed by Jacob's mother Mary, 41, to look after him at home in Henty Close, said: "He was always laughing and happy.

"We used to go out and play football in the back garden."

Mr Challenger said he had become close to Mrs Wragg.

Pauline Swindells, a nurse at Naomi House Hospice, where Jacob received care in the week before he died, said: "He was still able to make choices and tell us which activities he enjoyed."

She said there was "no cause for concern" about Jacob's relationship with his father.

Andrew Wragg denies murdering Jacob but admits manslaughter

"There was a lot of interaction between Andy and Jacob," she said.

"They adored each other."

She said that she believed Jacob could have lived for another two years but that in her opinion it would have been kinder for him to have died in his sleep.

Joanne Flarry, a nurse at Naomi House, said Jacob enjoyed watching his favourite video, Free Willy.

The jury was played a recording of the 999 call made by Mr Wragg on the night of the killing.

He said to the operator: "I have just murdered my son. I have killed him with a pillow over the face."

Pc Lee Cook of Sussex Police said Mr Wragg was calm and showed no emotion as he was arrested on suspicion of murder.

The case continues.