Tissue from two different boxes found in infant's throat, father's murder trial hears

John Tighe, aged 40, of Lavallyroe, Ballyhaunis, County Mayo has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his six-month-old son Joshua Sussbier Tighe at his home on 1 June 2013. The Central Criminal Court heard that forensic examination revealed tissue paper from two different boxes lodged in the infant's throat during a post-mortem. Bridget Fleming of Forensic Science Ireland told the court that the three-ply tissue matched paper from a bedroom box, while two-ply tissue matched material from a sitting room box. The prosecution alleges Mr Tighe caused the child's death by asphyxiation. The defence maintains Mr Tighe was changing the baby's nappy when the child began choking. DNA evidence showed the child's blood on Mr Tighe's clothing, which defence counsel suggested could be consistent with Mr Tighe attempting to assist his choking son. The trial continues at the Central Criminal Court.