Walsh, Inquest into the death of [2018] NICoroner 6 (8 October 2018)

Walsh, Inquest into the death of [2018] NICoroner 6 (8 October 2018)

Caragh Walsh died as a result of hypoxic ischaemic brain and spinal cord injury due to cardio-respiratory arrest, bilateral subdural and spinal haemorrhages, all caused by violent shaking. There was no evidence of rickets or metabolic bone disease. The injuries were non-accidental and not caused by medical intervention. The medical care provided was exemplary.

Citation
[2018] NICoroner 6
Parties
Deceased: Caragh Walsh; Interested Party (father): Christopher O'Neill; Interested Party (mother): Tammie Louise Walsh; Interested Party: Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Jurisdiction
Northern Ireland
Judgment Date
08 October 2018
Procedural Posture
Inquest / Findings Delivered After Evidentiary Hearing
Outcome
Findings of fact delivered; cause of death determined as non-accidental violent shaking; no attribution of civil or criminal liability.
Legal Topics
Inquest Procedure, Cause of Death, Shaken Baby Syndrome, Medical Expert Evidence, Standard of Proof in Inquests
Coronial Law Medical Law Child Protection Inquest Procedure Cause of Death Shaken Baby Syndrome Medical Expert Evidence Standard of Proof in Inquests

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 3 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 3
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Caragh Walsh

Deceased

Christopher O'Neill

Interested Party (father)

Tammie Louise Walsh

Interested Party (mother)

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Interested Party

Procedural Posture

Inquest / Findings Delivered After Evidentiary Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What was the cause of Caragh Walsh's death?
  2. 2 Was there evidence of rickets or metabolic bone disease?
  3. 3 Were injuries accidental, medical, or non-accidental in origin?

Ratio Decidendi

Caragh Walsh died as a result of hypoxic ischaemic brain and spinal cord injury due to cardio-respiratory arrest, bilateral subdural and spinal haemorrhages, all caused by violent shaking. There was no evidence of rickets or metabolic bone disease. The injuries were non-accidental and not caused by medical intervention. The medical care provided was exemplary.

Court Disposition

Findings of fact delivered; cause of death determined as non-accidental violent shaking; no attribution of civil or criminal liability.

Orders

  • Copy of findings and St Helens judgment to be supplied to judiciary in Northern Ireland and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine regarding Dr Ayoub's suitability as an expert witness and educator.
  • Commendation of medical staff to be relayed to Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director of RVH.