A man convicted with his wife of killing a three-yearold boy they planned to adopt by force-feeding him salt is demanding to see a social services report into the youngster's previous health problems.

Ian and Angela Gay were each jailed for five years in January after being found guilty of the manslaughter of Christian Blewitt.

The couple, both 37, from Halesowen, West Midlands, are appealing against their conviction.

A Home Office pathologist, who appeared for the defence, has since stated there was "significant doubt" about the couple's guilt.

He also suggested they could be victims of a miscarriage of justice.

Mr Gay called for Sandwell Council's report into Christian's past medical history to be made public.

Mr Gay, a former engineer, claimed Christian's previous medical problems had been "swept under the carpet".

His solicitor, William Bache, said he had asked the local authority for the report but received no reply.

In a statement, Dr David Low, chairman of the Sandwell Area Child Protection Committee said they were willing to release the executive summary and recommendations of the serious case review it carried out following Christian's death.

But they first had to meet the Blewitt family, the Gays' legal team and staff involved in the youngster's care.

"The ACPC is trying to complete those discussions as quickly as possible," he added.

Mr Gay and his wife, an insurance actuary, both denied force-feeding Christian salt as a punishment when they became frustrated and angry by his behaviour.