Dunedin sportsman infant injury trial

The story so far

A prominent Dunedin sportsman went on trial in the Dunedin District Court, facing charges of injuring with reckless disregard and assault in a family relationship over injuries to an infant in July 2023.^{18, 19, 20 Aug 2025} The Crown alleged that the defendant squeezed or crushed the baby's torso, causing more than a dozen broken ribs and a broken clavicle.^{18, 19 Aug 2025; 5 Sep 2025} The defendant, who has interim name suppression, pleaded not guilty and told police he was shocked and confused by the injuries.^{20, 25 Aug 2025; 3 Sep 2025} Medical experts gave conflicting evidence: one said the fractures were not caused by a bone disorder, while a radiologist said normal force on abnormal bone was the likely cause.^{27 Aug 2025; 3 Sep 2025} After closing arguments in early September, in which the defence called the allegations rubbish, a jury unanimously found the defendant not guilty.^{5, 8 Sep 2025}

Latest

On 7 September the jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict on both charges.^{8 Sep 2025}

Key moments

1. 19 Aug 2025Trial begins in Dunedin District Court; Crown alleges crushed infant torso causing broken ribs.
2. 20 Aug 2025Defendant pleads not guilty to wounding with reckless disregard; witnesses address squeezing claims.
3. 25 Aug 2025Defendant tells police he was shocked and confused; radiologist describes sound of broken ribs.
4. 27 Aug 2025Medical expert testifies the rib fractures were not caused by a bone disorder.
5. 3 Sep 2025Radiologist says normal force on abnormal bone likely caused the fractures, not abuse.
6. 5 Sep 2025Closing arguments heard; Crown alleges squeezing, defence dismisses accusations as rubbish.
7. 8 Sep 2025Jury unanimously finds the sportsman not guilty of both charges.

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