'It just stopped breathing'

A DAD told a 999 operator "it just stopped breathing" after his 13-week-old baby collapsed with a traumatic head injury.

- By WESLEY HOLMES ECHO Correspondent

Klevi Pirjani, 37, and his partner Nivalda Santos Pirjani, 34, are accused of "systematically physically abusing" their baby son, Miguel Pirjani, leading to his death at Alder Hey Children's Hospital on November 29 last year.

The couple appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today for the opening of a three-week trial.

Both pleaded not guilty to murder, causing or allowing the death of a child, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

At around 11.57am on November 24, 2024, Klevi Pirjani called 999 to report his son was unresponsive and not breathing.

Opening the case, prosecutor Peter Wright told the jury: "He told the operator that Miguel 'just stopped breathing.' Curiously, he referred to his son as 'it' - 'it just stopped breathing.' It's a matter for you to consider in due course as to whether this was a product of distress on his part, a language barrier, or an unintended indication of his attitude towards Miguel."

Paramedics arrived at the family home on Percy Road, Seacombe, "within minutes" and found Miguel in cardiac arrest. They managed to recover a pulse, but his condition remained "extremely serious" and he was taken by ambulance to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.