UPDATE: A MAN charged with the murder of a six-month-old baby who was in his care at New Lambton has been refused bail.
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Jie Smith, 28, appeared briefly in Wyong Court this morning following his arrest at Budgewoi on Wednesday afternoon.
Dressed in a singlet and board shorts, Smith did not enter pleas to charges of murder and reckless grievous bodily harm.
Police and emergency services were called to a home on Fairfield Avenue, New Lambton, just after 4.30am on Saturday following reports a six-month-old boy had gone into cardiac arrest.
The child was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. Despite the efforts of hospital staff, the boy died late on Sunday.
Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad and Newcastle City Police District, assisted by the Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Wandearah to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
A post-mortem examination determined the child died as a result of a traumatic head injury.
Smith did not apply for bail.
The matter was adjourned to Newcastle on May 1.
INITIAL REPORT: Man charged over alleged baby murder, boy died from traumatic head injury
A MAN has been charged over the alleged murder of a baby in his care.
Police and emergency services were called to a home on Fairfield Avenue, New Lambton, just after 4.30am on Saturday following reports a six-month-old boy had gone into cardiac arrest.
The child was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. Despite the efforts of hospital staff, the boy died late on Sunday.
Detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad and Newcastle City Police District, assisted by the Homicide Squad, established Strike Force Wandearah to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
A post-mortem examination determined the child died as a result of a traumatic head injury.
Following extensive inquiries, police arrested a 28-year-old man at Budgewoi about 12.20pm Wednesday.
He was taken to Wyong Police Station, where he was charged with murder and reckless grievous bodily harm.
The New Lambton man was refused bail to appear at Wyong Local Court on Thursday.
Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
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Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
