Father accused of murdering infant son exhorted doctor to "do something", jury hears

A father accused of murdering his infant son urged a doctor to intervene at the scene, the Central Criminal Court heard on the second day of trial. John Tighe, aged 40, of Lavallyroe, Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his six-month-old son on 1 June 2013. Dr Diarmuid Murray told the court he arrived at the home shortly after 1pm and immediately formed the view the child was deceased. The doctor identified a tissue lodged in the baby's throat, positioned above the larynx in a manner that would cause asphyxiation. During cross-examination, Dr Murray confirmed the accused was distressed and repeatedly urged him to take action, though nothing could be done. Emergency call handlers also gave evidence, with one nurse expressing doubt that the accused was following her instructions to dislodge the obstruction. The trial, before Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of nine women and three men, continues.