Mobile phone giant Vodafone had its wrist slapped today after a toddler nearly choked to death on a promotional throat lozenge.

Linette Richardson, 35, of Lombardy Close, Pitsea, complained to the Advertising Standards Agency after son Ryan, two, swallowed the lozenge sent to her by the company as part of a mailshot.

Lucky escape - Ryan Richardson nearly choked on a sweet sent by Vodafone Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

And today the authority upheld her complaint, ruling the firm was wrong to include the lozenge in the promotion.

Mrs Richardson told how only the quick thinking of Ryan's older sister Severn, four, saved the youngster's life.

She said: "I was really angry because Vodafone violated the security I have introduced in my home. It was a fun promotion but it was irresponsible."

Vodafone apologised "if the inclusion of the lozenge had caused any stress" and explained it was designed to "make the mailing more interesting''.

The company believed "it would not be easy for a child to get hold of.''

Published Wednesday, January 8, 2003

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