Baby had ‘abusive injury’

Nine-month-old Maija Puhi-Duff had injuries consistent with child abuse.

That was the view of Penn State University professor of paediatrics Lori Frasier, giving evidence via audio visual link on day six of the trial of Puhi-Duff’s father, Donovan Michael Duff.

Duff, 42, is facing one charge of murder at the High Court in Rotorua over the death of his daughter in Turangi in 2016, a charge he has always denied.

Under questioning from Crown prosecutor Amanda Gordon, Frasier was asked about bruising found on the jaw and neck of the infant. ‘‘[They are] highly suspicious and even indicative of some sort of nonaccidental trauma,’’ she said.

Frasier repeated the view under questioning from Duff’s defence lawyer, Moana Dorset.

‘‘There are injuries in Maija’s body that if I saw on a living child I would be highly suspicious they were being abused ... high risk bruising for physical abuse, and when you look at the totality of these bruises it makes it an even stronger case.’’

Frasier also rejected Dorset’s claim the injuries, especially to the brain, would have been caused by an earlier fall from a bed; an incident when she was smothered while co-sleeping; or when CPR was being performed.

‘‘She suffered an abusive injury that evening or morning and it would have been apparent to whoever was caring for her that she would have been injured, unresponsive, and no medical care was sought,’’ said Frasier.

‘‘I do not have any way of knowing which adult caused any of the older injuries to Maija.’’

Dorset told the jury of Duff would not give evidence himself.