Father charged with child cruelty as critically injured child’s prognosis remains grim

A child is in critical condition with severe brain injuries and a fractured skull, allegedly caused by their father, who is facing charges of child cruelty and causing serious harm. Prosecutors highlighted the child’s grim prognosis, stating that the injuries may be life-altering or life-threatening if the child survives. The court heard that the child’s mother, also facing charges, declined crucial medical scans for the baby. Despite the defendant admitting to shaking the baby, doctors suspect repeated child abuse due to older brain bleeds and the skull fracture. The defendant remains in custody with stringent bail conditions, including no contact with witnesses. The case is set to return to court in March.