Workington baby's fatal injuries almost certainly not accidental, court hears

Reece Kelly formerly lived at Hunday Court in Workington

Head trauma that led to the death of a baby was almost certainly not accidental, a court has been told.

Four-month-old Dallas Kelly died in October 2021 from injuries including acute brain swelling, bleeds over the brain and severe eye injuries.

Carlisle Crown Court heard evidence from Dr Daniel Du Plessis who said the likely cause was "forcible shaking".

Reece Kelly, 31, of Workington, has admitted manslaughter and unlawfully killing Dallas but denies murder.

The baby also had multiple rib fractures and bleeds over his spine.

Dr Du Plessis, a neuropathologist, said the combination of injuries made it "virtually certain there was a non-accidental mechanism" involved.

He told the jury the timescale indicated they had occurred while Dallas was in the sole care of his father.

'Significant' force

There must have been a "significant level of force used" to cause fingertip-type marks found on Dallas's back behind his chest, he added.

There was further evidence of two previous serious injuries, to the baby's brain and rib, for which no medical treatment had been sought.

Jurors have also now heard the precise basis on which Mr Kelly, formerly of Hunday Court, Workington, admits manslaughter.

In a defence statement, Mr Kelly recounted being "frustrated" as Dallas would not stop crying as he tried to settle him.

"The defendant shook him. When he shook Dallas, the defendant was holding Dallas out in front of himself, holding his torso under his arms," the statement said.

"He shook him for seconds only. He did not think it was that hard. He did not mean to hurt him."

Dallas was then said to have "tensed up momentarily" prompting Mr Kelly, in his own words, to panic and try to "rouse" him by shaking him again.

He said he then called 999 and carried out CPR as directed by a call handler.

"The defendant did not intend to cause really serious harm to Dallas," the statement added. "He did not intend to kill him."

Dallas's mum, 23-year-old Georgia Wright, of Workington, is also on trial. She denies causing or allowing the baby's death.

Both parents further deny cruelty to Dallas in the form of neglect during the months before his death.

The trial continues.