Dad accused of throwing 3-month-old son; baby in critical condition (Plymouth, England, United Kingdom)

Dad GRAHAM DRAPER has been charged with "maliciously causing grievous bodily harm" after he apparently threw his 3-month-old son, causing "serious" head injuries. The baby is in critical condition.

http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/news/Dad-court-baby-s-life-hangs-balance/article-1479971-detail/article.html

Plymouth dad in court as baby's life hangs in the balance
Wednesday, November 04, 2009, 07:00

A THREE-MONTH-OLD baby boy continues to fight for his life in hospital as his father appeared in court charged with injuring him.

Graham Draper, aged 25, appeared at Plymouth Magistrates Court yesterday to face the charge of maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to Kodi Martin with intent.

The court heard that the baby had suffered serious head injuries. It is understood the baby boy suffered the injuries as a result of being thrown.

Kodi is still in a critical but stable condition in Frenchay Hospital in Bristol. Doctors are currently monitoring his condition while he remains sedated, although it is understood the sedatives may be slowly withdrawn over the next 48 hours to better determine Kodi's condition.

Prosecutor Lucy Ray told the court: "The child is seriously ill, there is a possibility he will not recover."

Draper, of Beaumont Road, St Judes, appeared before a packed public gallery.

Several people walked out of the hearing in tears and Draper's own father shouted at District Judge Paul Farmer when he was banned from re-entering.

Draper, wearing a football top, spoke only to confirm his details and did not enter a plea to the charge of causing grievous bodily harm.

He stood expressionless with his head bowed for most of the proceedings.

Miss Ray told the court that initially both Draper and Kodi's mother, Tammy Martin, were arrested. She has been released on bail and not charged.

Miss Ray said the police were called by staff at Derriford Hospital at around 5pm on Sunday, November 1.

Julian Jefferson, for Draper, said: "Any allegation of intent is completely rejected."

Miss Ray, supported by Mr Jefferson, asked the court to impose an order banning the identification of Kodi.

But after representations from the media, including The Herald, Judge Farmer agreed that the child could be named.

Judge Farmer remanded Draper in custody until February 15 when he will appear at Plymouth Crown Court.