A five-month-old baby died after allegedly being neglected and “severely shaken by an adult”.
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The infant, born prematurely in late December 2018 in Western Australia, passed away in May 2019 after suffering from brain injuries, retinal haemorrhages, and fractures.
The Western Australia Deputy Coroner, Sarah Linton, is currently presiding over an inquest into the death of the baby girl.
No charges have been filed against the parents, who deny any involvement in causing harm to their child.
The child, who remains unidentified for legal reasons, was under the care of the Department of Communities in the days leading up to her death.
However, concerns have been raised about her well-being since her premature birth at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH).
Counsel assisting, Will Stops, revealed in court that the mother had attempted to terminate the pregnancy at 23 weeks.
The baby was born soon after, in late December 2018, and admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at KEMH.
Mr Stops told the court that Communities conducted a home visit and “found the house was unsafe and in a state of disrepair”.
The court details also reveal that the injuries were inflicted “on more than one occasion” and the baby had been “severely shaken by an adult”.
The parents denied hurting the child but could not explain the injuries to police, who released them without charge.
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
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