Parents admit toddler drug death

The terraced house where the family lived

A couple have admitted blame after their son died from drinking the heroin substitute methadone.

Dylan Thomas Hughes died not long after his second birthday when he drunk the substitute at the family home at Nantymoel near Bridgend, south Wales.

At Cardiff Crown Court, Paul Hughes, 31, and Krystal Jones, 26, denied manslaughter but admitted causing or allowing the death of a child.

Hughes was remanded in custody while Jones was allowed bail.

The court heard that they both accepted responsibility in the unlawful act in that the child was left unsupervised with methadone on the day in question, in May 2008.

The pair were originally charged with their son's manslaughter.

Robin Spencer QC, prosecuting, told the court that both defendants accepted responsibility for Dylan's exposure to the heroin substitute, which had been left lying around.

Hughes also pleaded guilty to supplying methadone and possession of diazepam and cannabis.

Recorder of Cardiff Judge Nicholas Cooke QC adjourned sentencing until 20 July.

Jones' bail conditions were varied to allow her to visit her son's grave for the first time since his funeral.