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Father on Trial Over Fatal Shaking of 14‑Week‑Old Son

Medical experts told jurors the pattern of brain, retinal, subdural bleeding indicates abusive head trauma rather than an accidental fall.

Overview

  • Prosecutors say 23‑year‑old Bradley Thomas violently shook his son Emmerson‑Oak, causing catastrophic brain injury and retinal bleeding, and he denies the murder charge.
  • A 999 call Thomas made was played to the jury and paramedics told court they revived the baby at the family home before he was taken to James Cook University Hospital.
  • Scans and a post‑mortem showed brain swelling, fresh bleeding and an older subdural haemorrhage, with a paediatric eye pathology specialist describing the retinal bleeding as typical of abusive head trauma.
  • The prosecution told jurors the injuries are inconsistent with a fall from a lap onto a carpeted floor, while the defence says the baby fell and Thomas maintains he did not harm him.
  • Investigators noted the parents had been searching online about 'shaken baby' after recent local deaths, the trial is continuing at Teesside Crown Court, and the jury has not reached a verdict.