Illawarra Father Pleads Not Guilty to Assaulting Newborn Son
An Illawarra father has formally denied charges of violently shaking his newborn son, resulting in multiple rib fractures and other injuries, as a judge considers moving the potentially lengthy trial to Sydney. The man, who cannot be named to protect the child's identity, appeared in Wollongong District Court on February 17, dressed in a white shirt and navy pants with a nose ring.
Charges and Allegations
The man, in his 30s, pleaded not guilty to six counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and reckless grievous bodily harm. Police allege that he squeezed the baby's ribs and shook him violently, leading to multiple fractures and bony injuries across the child's body. The incidents are said to have occurred in Towradgi and Wollongong during the latter months of 2024.
He was arrested and charged in January 2025 after the Illawarra Child Abuse Squad received a report of harm following the baby's admission to a children's hospital.
Trial Logistics and Adjournment
With the trial estimated to last three to four weeks, Judge William Fitzsimmons questioned whether proceedings should be relocated to Sydney to accommodate court availability. "But I don't want to make that call at this stage until we know more about it," Judge Fitzsimmons stated.
Defence barrister Ben Hart requested a six-week adjournment, citing that an expert witness had not yet been secured for the defence. The matter has been listed for March 31, with the man excused from appearing. He remains on bail as the case progresses.
