Trial carries on without mother accused of baby's murder in West Bromwich
The trial of a woman accused of killing her baby in West Bromwich has heard that bizarre trauma injuries happening in the home were a rare occurrence.
Zara Arsalan, aged 31, also known as Sharandeep Talwandi, is on trial accused of the murder of two-month-old Harleen Bains at a property, in Caddick Crescent, West Bromwich, on July 23, 2020.
Giving evidence for the defence in Arsalan's absence on Tuesday, paediatric pathologist Dr Roger Malcolmson told the jury at Coventry Crown Court that his role in the case was to examine specimens taken from Harleen's eyes. He said the samples showed "severe bleeding in both eyes" and extensive splitting of the retinas.
The expert witness said the level of "multi-layered bleeding" was not consistent with every day types of injuries which may occur in home environments.
Defence counsel Mr Bernard Tetlow KC put to him that Arsalan's account was that she had been assaulted by her ex-partner during which she was rendered unconscious and dropped the baby on the floor.
Dr Malcolmson replied: "There are known to be examples of bizarre injuries happening, but these are extremely rare."
His evidence was heard in the the defendant's absence after she failed to turn up four days in a row.
The baby suffered multiple skull fractures, bleeding on the brain and an ankle injury.
The prosecution claims the injuries were caused by a single episode of extreme violence involving contact with a hard surface and by being shaken.
The trial judge Mr Justice Cavanagh told the jury that Arsalan, of Floyer Road, Bordesley Green, Birmingham, had given consent for the proceedings to continue for the day without her.
Arsalan denies murder. The trial continues.
