An infant is in critical condition in the hospital with multiple brain bleeds and a fractured skull, allegedly caused by their father.
During a court hearing today, it was mentioned that the child’s condition is grave as lawyers contested a District judge’s decision to grant bail to the 33-year-old man accused of harming the baby.
The prosecution informed Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan at the High Court that the baby is unlikely to survive, and if they do, their injuries will likely be life-changing.
The father, whose identity is protected, faces charges of child cruelty and causing serious physical harm to the baby in January 2026.
The charges state that the defendant, responsible for the child’s care, deliberately assaulted the child, leading to unnecessary suffering. Another charge alleges that the child suffered serious physical harm due to the defendant’s actions or negligence.
During the appeal hearing, it was revealed that the child’s mother is also facing charges and has refused certain scans that could have aided in the baby’s care.
Earlier today, bail was granted to the accused with strict conditions after an initial hearing. However, the decision was appealed, leading to a subsequent hearing in front of Lady Chief Justice Keegan.
The prosecution detailed how the incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning when emergency services were called for a baby in distress.
Upon arrival at the hospital, it was reported that the defendant admitted to shaking the baby, claiming the child had been difficult. Medical examinations revealed brain bleeds and a skull fracture, suggesting potential repeated abuse.
The defendant was taken into custody following his admission, while the child’s mother, also arrested, was released on bail.
The accused remains in custody, with concerns raised about potential witness tampering and flight risks. However, bail conditions were set to mitigate these risks, including regular reporting to the police and restrictions on contact with witnesses.
The case is scheduled to return to court in March for further proceedings.
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