A SOUTH Cumbria man has been sentenced to four years for the manslaughter of his 13-year-old son Kye Backhouse.

Kevin Morton, 49, of Ewan Close, Barrow, was sentenced today (July 31) at Preston Crown Court.

Kye died on October 9, 2014, after Morton gave him a morphine tablet because he was feeling unwell.

Morton pleaded guilty to manslaughter at an earlier hearing.

DCI Furzana Nazir, who led the case, said: “The case highlights the dangers of the misuse of prescription drugs, which should only be used when prescribed by a medical professional, and in that instance, only for whom they have been prescribed and the quantity specified.

“Our thoughts are with the family at this time.”

Kye’s grandmother, Christine Backhouse, gave this statement following today’s sentencing: “Kevin is charged with the manslaughter of Kye, however in our eyes it feels more like murder.

"We thought he was safe with his dad (Kevin Morton), he was meant to protect him.

"A parent is meant to warn their child against drugs, not actively supply them with a pill that causes them to die.

"Kye was not a streetwise boy, and he loved and trusted his father.

"He would have taken any tablet his father handed him without question.

“We are aware Kevin abuses prescription drugs. This shows his disregard for legal medication.

"He clearly thinks he knows better than a trained doctor. This attitude has caused the death of my gorgeous grandson.

"This was not an accident, and the whole family miss Kye.”