Medical teams describe fractures and trauma ‘consistent with sexual and physical abuse’

THE JURY in the trial of Christopher Phillips – the man accused of sexually penetrating a seven-week-old baby at a flat in Haverfordwest – has been presented with deeply distressing medical evidence detailing the catastrophic injuries suffered by the child.

Baby C was taken to Glangwili General Hospital in the early hours of January 24, 2021, after his mother phoned 999. On arrival, paediatric teams carried out extensive examinations.

Doctors identified:

• Rectal bleeding and a 1.7cm fissure to the child’s anus
• Significant perianal redness, consistent with possible penetrative trauma
• A fracture to the right petrous pyramid in the skull, causing bleeding from the baby’s right ear
• Fractures to the left ribs
• Multiple bruises to his neck, chest and back

A consultant paediatrician concluded the constellation of injuries was non-accidental and consistent with both physical and sexual abuse.

Neighbours reported ‘horrific crying’

A written statement from neighbours in Haverfordwest, was read to the court. They told the jury they heard “awful and horrific crying” coming from the first-floor flat in the hours before paramedics arrived.

“At around 2am we heard a front door closing and then a car engine start,” one neighbour said. “The engine ran for around five minutes before the car drove off. Soon after, we heard a baby crying from the flat. It sounded awful and then became horrific. It appeared that something was really wrong.”

They added the same vehicle had been heard leaving the property “four or five times” in the early hours on previous occasions.

Senior nurse describes baby’s condition

Senior sister Bethan Osmond, who examined Baby C on Cilgerran Ward, said the child was “irritable and crying a loud, painful cry”.

“There was dried blood on his right ear that appeared fresh,” her statement continued. “When I changed his nappy I could see the perianal area was bright red and large in appearance. When the baby opened his bowels he immediately screamed in pain. It was obvious he had a cut or some form of pain there.”

Three bruises were also noted running down the baby’s back.

Because of the medical findings, Dyfed-Powys Police and social services were immediately alerted.

Charges

The baby’s mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested and charged with two counts of causing or allowing serious physical harm and two counts of child cruelty. She denies all charges.

Her boyfriend Christopher Phillips, 33, of Warrier Reach, Burton, is accused of sexually penetrating Baby C on two occasions, assaulting him causing actual bodily harm, and causing grievous bodily harm on four occasions. He also denies all allegations.

Jury released until Monday

The jury at Swansea Crown Court was released on Friday afternoon until Monday, when they will hear further medical detail. Judge Paul Thomas KC told jurors they will not be shown photographs of the injuries because of the extreme sensitivity of the case.

The trial is expected to last another three weeks.