Courts / Dublin / Report

Child suffered 'extensive and unusual' bruising across body, pathologist tells stepmother's murder trial

Date
2025-11-10

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In the Central Criminal Court, State Pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers testified that a boy who died on 16 March 2021 suffered extensive bruising across his face, back, chest, arms and legs, with severe head and liver injuries. The bruises varied in colour and age, and the brain showed swelling, subdural haemorrhage and axonal injury, indicating rapid head movement and impact against a hard surface. The liver lacerations suggested blunt abdominal trauma, likely from a punch or kick. Dr Okkers rejected the claim that the injuries were caused by a fall from a bunk bed, noting that such falls rarely produce the observed head trauma. She concluded the cause of death was a traumatic head injury combined with blunt force abdominal trauma. The stepmother, a woman in her 30s, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial, presided by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, continues with a jury of four women and eight men.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Child suffered 'extensive and unusual' bruising across body, pathologist tells stepmother's murder trial. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the boy's manslaughter in March 2021. Procedural stage: trial

When: