Baby's bleeding akin to being in crash, trial told

A five-week-old baby who was allegedly killed by her parents had bleeding at the back of her eyes, of the type normally seen when a child has been in a high-speed crash, a trial has been told

Sean Jefferson, of Birch Court, Walsall, and Amy Clarke, of Enots Close, Lichfield, both deny murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.

On Monday, Stafford Crown Court heard Clarke, 34, was struggling in the run up to baby Darcy's death and that she had engaged in a number of heated exchanges with Jefferson, 35.

These included text messages about how she was exhausted and felt he was not supporting her, the court heard.

The jury heard how, in one message, she said: "Who walks out on their newborn while their mum is struggling? Scumbag."

Warning: this story contains distressing details

The court was told Clarke got a taxi to buy alcohol on 3 March 2022 when she was meant to be looking after Darcy.

Neighbours said they had seen Clarke urinating in a garden and had also seen Darcy outside in a nappy when it was cold.

The court also heard that police had found a video on Jefferson's phone showing cannabis being prepared.

On 21 March 2022, prosecutors said Clarke had asked her drug dealer to come quickly while Jefferson was in the bath.

The drugs were left for her in a letter box, the prosecution said.

When a health visitor noticed two bruises around Darcy's mouth and chin on 24 March 2022 - three days before she was admitted to hospital - Clarke explained this by stating that Jefferson tended to hold Darcy's chin when he winded her.

The health visitor contacted the social work team to ask for a full health inspection, which the prosecution said would have provided an opportunity for further investigation.

The inspection was not conducted, however, as the social work team did not feel one needed to be carried out, the court was told.

On the day Jefferson called 999, from a neighbouring property, he claimed Darcy had been fine but started coughing before some mucus came out of her nose and she stopped breathing.

Medics found bleeding to the back of Darcy's eyes, of the type normally seen when a child was in a high speed collision.

The baby's condition deteriorated and on 29 March 2022 it was clear she would not survive.

The court heard that when Jefferson was told this he became hysterical and repeatedly said "I'm sorry".

When she was confirmed dead, he again said "I'm sorry".

Prosecutors said after the pair were arrested, Jefferson lied in a police interview - initially saying Clarke did not drink or take cocaine and that their relationship was "great".

Both said they did not know how the infant's injuries occurred.

The trial continues.

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