SBS: Matheson, Sctland

28 October 2010

Baby 'suffered injuries shortly before death'

Baby Alexis Matheson suffered "traumatic" injuries, the trial heard

A baby girl allegedly murdered by her mother's partner must have suffered brain injuries shortly before she died, a court has heard.

Six-week-old Alexis Matheson was allegedly murdered by Mark Simpson, 29, in 2007 in Aberdeen.
Dr Julie Freeman told the High Court in Aberdeen the baby had thumb marks on her chest and may have been shaken.
The paediatric anaesthetist was present when the baby was brought in for treatment at an Edinburgh hospital.

Dr Freeman told the 13th day of the trial: "The most obvious explanation was if someone grabbed the baby and there were thumb marks.

"The baby may have been shaken or the head may have come into contact with a surface.
"The baby clearly had a number of traumatic events.
"The injuries are consistent with non-accidental injuries. It's deliberate, whether it's intended or not. An action that's not an accident."
Mr Simpson denies murdering Alexis by assaulting her in Aberdeen between 8 November and 9 December 2007.
He allegedly seized hold of her, shook her and compressed her chest, leaving her so severely injured that she died.
The trial, which is scheduled to last several weeks, continues.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-11644101