Police arrested the parents of a 3.5-month-old infant after doctors discovered extensive brain bleeding suspected to result from violent shaking, with the child remaining in critical condition at Makarios Hospital’s intensive care unit.
The 40-year-old father and 22-year-old mother face charges including causing grievous bodily harm, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, exposing a child under two years to danger, and maltreatment of persons under 16 years old. Limassol District Court ordered their detention for four days during closed proceedings.
Police received notification on September 8 that the infant had been transferred to Makarios Hospital four days earlier with brain haemorrhage. The child was initially admitted to Limassol Hospital on September 4 following referral from the family’s paediatrician for gastroenteritis symptoms.
Doctors suspect shaken baby syndrome in infant case
During hospitalisation at Limassol Hospital, the infant experienced seizures prompting doctors to conduct a brain CT scan, which revealed extensive subdural haematoma and posterior left subdural haematoma. Medical staff deemed immediate transfer to Makarios Hospital necessary due to the severity of the condition.
When questioned by doctors, the parents initially claimed the baby had not fallen or sustained injuries. They subsequently stated that the family’s seven-year-old child had thrown an apple that struck the infant’s head. However, medical professionals emphasised that the findings were inconsistent with trauma from such an impact.
Further examinations revealed no bodily fractures but identified retinal haemorrhages in both eyes. These findings, combined with the absence of external injuries, led doctors to consider shaken baby syndrome as a potential cause of the infant’s condition.
Medical evidence inconsistent with parents’ explanation
The paediatrician who received the infant at Limassol Hospital on September 4 confirmed the child arrived around 9:30am following telephone consultation with the family’s paediatrician, who had examined the baby two days earlier on September 2.
A state forensic pathologist examined the infant in the presence of police officers and Social Welfare Services personnel. Preliminary findings suggested evidence consistent with shaking impact, indicating the baby may have been violently shaken to such a degree that significant harm resulted.
Four-day custody ordered for both suspects
TAE Limassol investigators arrested both parents on Monday evening (September 9) following the medical and forensic assessments. The suspects appeared before Limassol District Court, which approved the police request for custody during closed proceedings.