Couple tested positive for drugs after death of baby, trial hears
Stanley Davis was just 24 days old when he died of a fatal head injury, previously suffering 32 fractures to his skull and ribs.
Tuesday 23 October 2018 16:55, UK
A mother tested positive for cocaine and cannabis after her three-week-old baby fell ill and died of a fatal head injury, a court has heard.
Stanley Davis died in hospital a week after being taken from a flat in Gosport, Hampshire, in March last year.
Roxanne Davis, 30, and her partner Samuel Davies, 24, both tested positive for drugs and are on trial at Winchester Crown Court.
The pair are both accused of causing or allowing the death of baby Stanley.
James Newton-Price QC, prosecuting, told the court that the baby died of a skull fracture and brain haemorrhage aged just 24 days.
He had also suffered 32 fractures to his ribs and nine fractures to his arms and legs sustained during three separate occasions, the prosecutor added.
Mr Newton-Price said: "One of these two defendants inflicted fatal injuries to Stanley's head, causing a skull fracture and a brain haemorrhage from which he could not recover.
"The other defendant was aware or ought to have been aware that there was a risk of serious harm to this child and they failed to take the necessary steps to protect Stanley."
Mr Newton-Price said that police were called to the couple's flat over an argument on 11 March, adding: "There are other indications the defendants were arguing with each other and they had very little patience.
"Text messages between them show angry exchanges on both sides."
One message reveals Davis saying: "I am not a stay-at-home mum," while another says: "Everyone is going to know what a woman-beater and drug-user you are."
Mr Newton-Price said there were "quite common" references to cannabis and cocaine use in the text exchanges.
The court heard how Davis had phoned a doctor on 20 March, saying: "I have serious mental health problems and I have been using a lot of cocaine to deal with it."
Mr Newton-Price added that it was "within hours" that baby Stanley began "to show symptoms that are consistent with a non-accidental brain injury arising from a skull fracture".
He said that both defendants tested positive for drugs the next day.
The defendants, who are not married despite sharing similar surnames, both deny the charge and the trial continues.