Sports star declared innocent of inflicting fractures on an infant

Man Found Not Guilty in Baby Injury Case

In a shocking turn of events, a man, whose identity remains suppressed, was found not guilty by a court in Dunedin on September 5, 2023, of injuring a baby with reckless disregard and assault. The three-week trial in the Dunedin District Court saw the man face "earth-shattering accusations" of arbitrarily breaking a baby's ankle and ribs, but the evidence presented raised significant doubts about the prosecution's claim.

The baby, who was just a few months old, was allegedly injured on July 16, 2023. The mother noticed a crackling in the infant's back and took him to the hospital. The fractures were diagnosed at the hospital and files were sent to Starship Hospital in Auckland for review.

The prosecutor, Robin Bates, argued that the man squeezed the baby out of frustration after trying and failing to settle the infant. However, the defence lawyer, Anne Stevens KC, called this theory "rubbish" and stated there was no evidence the man was at the end of his tether. Instead, she presented alternative explanations for the baby's injuries, such as a vitamin D deficiency or microscopic fractures caused during birth.

Multiple witnesses described the man as thoughtful, gentle, patient, and kind. The sportsman, who spoke to police multiple times and gave evidence in court despite the accusations, was also supported by neighbours who held the baby later that day. They did not notice anything unusual after the mother returned home.

The sportsman's charge of injury with reckless disregard carries a maximum penalty of seven years' imprisonment. The prosecution claimed the man squeezed the baby, causing more than a dozen ribs and the collarbone to break. However, the defence lawyer argued that the evidence presented contradicted this entirely.

The trial, which captivated the nation, ended with the man being found not guilty. The baby's mother was away at the gym when the alleged incident occurred, and the court's decision has left many questioning the circumstances surrounding the baby's injuries. Despite the outcome, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of presenting solid evidence in court and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.