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 William Smith, 28, appeared briefly in Wyong Court on Wednesday morning following his arrest at Budgewoi on Wednesday afternoon.
He did not enter pleas to charges of murder and reckless grievous bodily harm.
Dressed in a camouflage singlet and board shorts Mr Smith stood in the dock as Magistrate Elizabeth Ellis advised him he would be foolish to apply for bail.
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.
Mr Smith did not apply for bail, which was formally refused.
A brief of evidence will be served by April 11 and the matter was adjourned to Newcastle Local Court for mention on May 1.
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.
