Witness in baby murder bid trial tells of injuries

EVIDENCE: Senior doctor said his colleague had concerns over fractured leg

A senior doctor has told a trial of a man accused of trying to murder a baby how his colleague had “concerns” about injuries sustained by the infant.

Doctor Gavin Main, 58, yesterday told a jury how examinations of the child, who cannot be named for legal reasons, revealed that he had fractured bones.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard the consultant radiologist say that such injuries in babies were usually caused by “force” rather than “trauma”.

Dr Main, who works for NHS Tayside, said the baby boy, who was then aged 11 months, was examined on two occasions at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee in October 2015.

Prosecutors claim that during this time period Ryan Devaney,28, attempted to murder the child.

Speaking about one injury which was apparently sustained, Dr Main said: “Rib fractures in infants are very unusual.

“It is highly suggestive that the injury was inflicted as opposed to being caused by trauma.”

Dr Main was giving evidence on the fifth day of proceedings against Devaney, of Provost Road, Dundee. He denies attempted murder and nine other charges.

Yesterday, Dr Main said the baby was given a “full skeletal survey” in early October 2015.

At that time, a colleague of Dr Main studied images which had been generated by the survey.

Dr Main said that the medic had “concerns” about a bone in the child’s leg.

The consultant then said a decision was taken to carry out a second examination on October 23 2015.

He said that the passing of time would provide doctors with evidence about whether the child had sustained any broken bones and whether they were starting to heal.

Talking about the result of the October 23 test, Dr Main said: “There was a little bit of concern.”

The doctor said that staff concluded the baby had sustained a fracture in his leg and that it was starting to heal.

Devaney is said to have assaulted the child at a house in Dundee, an Asda car park in Dundee and a house in Angus on various occasions between September and October 12, 2015.

The Crown claims that Devaney attempted to murder the child. He is also accused of assaulting the mother of the child.

The trial, before judge Lord Woolman, continues.