INQUEST VERDICT: Summer Rogers-Ratcliffe unlawfully killed

Deputy assistant coroner Oliver Longstaff said today (Friday) that there was an overwhelming likelihood that the blow to the head that killed the toddler was non-accidental.

Summer, who was 21 months old, died in hospital in the early hours of February 28, 2012.

She was in the care of her mother Victoria Rogers, stepfather Craig Sharp and maternal grandmother Susan Rogers.

Mr Longstaff said he believed Summer sustained the injury between 5.30am and 7.40am on February 27, effectively ruling out Susan Rogers’ involvement.

He also concluded “in the strongest possible terms” that, if possible, that an appropriate body should take steps to fully resolve the case

No one has been charged in relation to Summer’s death.

Speaking outside court, paternal grandfather James Ratcliffe welcomed the verdict, but added: “Whilst this helps us in our campaign for justice for Summer, it only confirms what we already knew.”

Mr Ratcliffe also called on the authorities to further investigate Summer’s death.