Alfie’s parents Tom Evans (pictured) 21, and Kate James, 20, are determined for him to be transferred from Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool to a hospital in Rome
The parents of a critically ill baby sat solemnly in court as they were told there was ‘no hope for recovery’ for their little boy.
Brain scans of the 20-month-old found that the neurological condition he is suffering from has progressed.
Alfie Evans had already suffered ‘catastrophic degradation’ to his brain from a ‘relentless’ condition, leaving him in a semi-vegetative state.
Despite continuing efforts from his medical team to prolong Alfie’s life they have stated that keeping him alive through ventilation is ‘unkind, unfair and inhumane.’
His parents Tom Evans, 21, and Kate James, 20, are determined for him to be transferred from Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool to a hospital in Rome.
Vatican-linked Bambino Gesu Paediatric Hospital in Rome, offers treatment which may prolong his life.
Alder Hey hospital has applied to the High Court in Liverpool to end Alfie’s life support.
Alfie’s parents are certain that their son responds to them doctors have argued that this is simply the child suffering seizures. Pictured: Alfie’s father arriving at court
Reviewing the application Mr Justice Anthony Hayden ordered MRI scans of the young boy’s brain which found that the disease had destroyed more of his brain.
The previous set of scans, taken last August, showed Alfie’s brain had reduced by more than 70% of normal size.
A consultant at Alder Hey, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the court the latest scans showed further deterioration of the boy’s brain.
He said more brain matter had disappeared and the spaces inside Alfie’s skull filled with fluid had increased.
Alfie’s parents were joined by a group of 20 supporters at Liverpool Crown Court
Two key parts of his brain, the Thalamus and Basal Ganglia, had also reduced in size to the point that they had almost gone.
The expert continued: ‘It shows us visibly the destruction of vital structures of the brain which are required for any normal sensory processing.
‘Alfie is unaware, in a deep coma, not able to sense, touch, to see or to hear. His clinical impression has not changed over many months.’
As this was announced Alfie’s parents, who are not being represented by lawyers, sat in court with the heads looking at the floor.
Although Alfie’s parents are certain that their son responds to them doctors have argued that this is simply the child suffering seizures.
Around half a dozen of Alfie’s family, including his father, burst into tears and had to leave court as it was announced how Alfie’s death would be handled
Mr Justice Hayden asked the Alder Hey consultant if the Italian approach to the ‘preservation of life’ was different to the ‘more secular’ UK, asking the witness, ‘why are they wrong?’
The doctor replied: ‘In my opinion it does not serve the purpose. It is not in Alfie’s best interests. If there’s no hope for recovery, there’s no hope even for stabilisation.
‘No hope for any development process. No hope for him to achieve anything you would regard as a meaningful life; to communicate, to learn, even to be able to sense. I don’t think we should prolong life.
‘Alfie is alive because we are interfering. That’s something we must not forget.
‘It does not help. It does not cure. It does not make better.’
Alfie’s father questioned whether ‘every avenue’ had been explored for his son.
The doctor replied: ‘I honestly believe we have done everything. One can argue we have done more than everything.
‘I believe we have explored every avenue. I believe the diagnoses of a relentlessly progressive neurological disease is demonstrated very clearly.
‘It’s my belief we have done everything possible.’
Later, following questions from the judge, a second doctor from Alder Hey described how the removal of ventilation and Alfie’s death would be handled.
She said: ‘It would be managed so that the family are looked after…’
At that point around half a dozen of Alfie’s family, including his father, burst into tears and had to leave court.
The hearing continues.