A mum killed herself and her four-year-old son the day before having to hand him over to her ex-boyfriend after a bitter custody battle, an inquest heard.
Janma Joshi, 40, and Jai were found lying alongside each other on a bed after she torched their flat, deliberately killing them both.
The resentful mum died after pouring petrol around the apartment as she faced the prospect of her son, described as a model child with dreams to become a doctor, living with his dad, Paresh Patel, 43.
Coroner Andre Rebello ruled no evidence was missed to show the unstable pharmacy technician was set to instigate the murder-suicide in Tuebrook, Liverpool, in May.
She was 'upset and distressed', the inquest in Liverpool was told, after a court residency order ruled the boy had to go to live with his dad.
CCTV pictures showed Janma buying accelerant from a nearby petrol station nearly three weeks earlier which, the court heard, showed 'planning and consideration' of her crime.
The day after the fire, Janma failed to return Jai at the school gates, an agreement put in place by authorities monitoring the parent's fall-out.
Grieving Mr Patel believes his ex-partner killed their son in revenge because she was not allowed to look after him.
Coroner Andre Rebello, recording verdicts of unlawful killing and suicide, said: "This was most shocking, tragic and distressing deaths in these circumstances. Life is very complicated."
Paresh, now married with a three-year-old son and two-year-old daughter, had a relationship with Janma after meeting her on an Indian matrimonial website.
By the time Joshi discovered she was pregnant, their relationship was already over but Paresh told her he wanted to play an active part in his child's life.
The newsagent, from Penwortham, Lancs, clutched his son's schoolbag after the inquest, telling reporters: "It's the only thing {of him} I have left."
He added: "The verdict has not consoled me in any way and left me heartbroken thinking about my son missing out of my life, and missing out on life's wonderful journey.
"The death of Jai has left me helpless. I believe it could have been avoided."
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