Expert witness claims baby Jack's injuries could not have resulted from natural causes

THE CHRONIC brain injuries which killed a three-month-old baby could not have resulted from natural causes, an expert medical witness claimed.

Joanne Mallinder, 37, is accused of murdering her son Jack, by hitting his head on a solid surface at their home in Falcon Avenue, Grays.

He suffered severe internal bleeding causing the brain damage, along with fractures to his arm, shoulder, thigh bone, knee and right ankle. These were allegedly caused by Mallinder.

The jury at Basildon Crown Court heard evidence from Professor Peter Clayton, who has been a child consultant at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital since 1987.

The doctor checked over Baby Jack on February 16, 2006, after he was rushed to intensive care at the London hospital.

Stephen Harvey QC, prosecuting, asked him whether there was any evidence the internal bleeding and fractured bones could have been caused by natural genetic disorders.

Professor Clayton said: “There was no evidence of a disorder that could have led to bleeding into the brain or render the bones brittle.”

Jack never recovered full consciousness after allegedly suffering brain damage at the hands of his mother, three days before he was checked out by Professor Clayton.

He died 13 months later.

Mallinder, now of Leicester Road, Tilbury, denies murder.

The trial continues.