Farmer's son, 4, found dead by his mum after being electrocuted by desk lamp as he played with his toys
A FOUR-YEAR-OLD boy died when he was electrocuted by a modified desk lamp as he played with his toys in a caravan, an inquest was told.
Oliver Walker was found on the floor of the caravan by his mum, Charlotte, still holding the lamp which had been modified to increase the power from 12 volts to 240 volts.
His mum started CPR on Oliver on top of a hay bale while his uncle, Ben, called 999.
Oliver was rushed to hospital on March 13, 2018, where he was pronounced dead.
His cause of death was electrocution.
Oliver, who was described as a "bright little boy, full of energy and intelligent beyond his years" lived with his parents Andrew and Charlotte and little sister on a farm in Keighley, in West Yorkshire.
The family was having a new farmhouse built and had bought two caravans in December 2017, a modern one to live in until building work was finished and another caravan for utility purposes where Oliver also kept his toys.
Coroner Martin Fleming said: "At some stage the lamp has been modified.
"We don't know the individual who has done that or the reason.
"No mother or father should have to find their little boy in these circumstances."
A "competent amateur" was believed to have carried out the modification, Bradford Coroners' Court heard.
Oliver was such a much loved son, brother and nephew
Describing the horrifying moment she found her son in the caravan Charlotte said: "I started screaming for Ben [Oliver's uncle].
"Ben called 999 and I started CPR. I carried on until the paramedics took over.
"The lamp, I had never seen it before.
"The only thing I can think of is the lamp came with the caravan."
The hearing was told West Yorkshire Police conducted a joint investigation with the health and safety executive.
John Marsh, the original owner of the caravan, admitting owning the lamp but had no knowledge of buying it or making any changes to it.
He sold the caravan as scrap to Wainman's Dealers in Silsden, who then sold it to the Walker family in December 2017, the inquest heard.
In a statement read to the court, Frank Wainman said it was standard for all caravans to be cleared of any items before being sold.
West Yorkshire Police excluded any third party involvement or individual who could be identified.
The coroner recorded a narrative conclusion.
Addressing the family directly, the coroner said: "Oliver was such a much loved son, brother and nephew.
"He was a lot of things to a lot of people.
"He was a bright little boy with intelligence beyond his years.
"It has and continues to leave a massive void in all of your lives."
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