Jury told to consider murder accused's drugs use

Everleigh Stroud spent more than a year of her life in hospital after being shaken by her father

Jurors in a baby murder trial have been told to find the defendant not guilty of murder if they believe his cannabis consumption meant that he did not intend to kill her.

Thomas Holford, 24, has admitted the manslaughter of Everleigh Stroud, who was rushed to hospital in April 2021, but denies murder and assault causing actual bodily harm.

The court previously heard how Mr Holford, of Ramsgate, claimed he had no memory of the incident and had smoked multiple cannabis joints on the evening he attacked his daughter.

The jury at Canterbury Crown Court will retire after hearing closing arguments, due to begin on Thursday.

Everleigh suffered severe brain damage as well as broken legs and ribs after she was shaken by Mr Holford at just five weeks of age. Her life support was removed in May 2022.

Lies told

Mr Justice Fordham told the jury: "If you think he was so intoxicated that he did not intend to harm her, you must find him not guilty of count one [murder].

"The sole issue for you to determine on count one is whether the prosecution have proved that there was an intention to kill or cause really serious injuries."

On count two, assault causing actual bodily harm, jurors were told to decide if injuries to Everleigh's anus, allegedly caused by her father, were deliberate or accidental.

Mr Holford has also admitted telling three lies after his arrest but the jury were told this is not always an indication of guilt.

"If you decide the explanation is, or is maybe true, then you must not hold it against him, you must not convict wholly or mainly because he told lies," Mr Justice Fordham added.

The trial continues.