Craig Rowland: Brain injury played role in baby death, murder trial told

Reading from his own report, Dr Ingram said: “The history indicates this young boy had previously suffered catastrophic brain injuries, resulting in seizures, global development delay, movement disorders and being blind.”

The pathologist said there were “marked degenerative changes” in the brain which would have rendered the child “significantly more susceptible to pneumonia” as opposed to a normal healthy child.

Dr Ingram agreed with a prosecution lawyer that the infant was much more susceptible to chest infections and pneumonia, due to the brain injury he had suffered.

“The head injury played a very significant role in the development of the pneumonia and ultimately his death,” he said.

Mr Rowland, who is on bail, has previously pleaded guilty to a charge of wilfully neglecting his son.

The child’s mother, Laura Graham, has also pleaded guilty to the same charge.

The trial continues.