Father Charged with Grievous Bodily Harm Against 9-Week-Old Baby Son

A Sunshine Coast court has heard the horrific extent of injuries to a baby boy allegedly at the hands of his father. A 30-year-old Sunshine Coast man had his matter mentioned before court today, charged with grievous bodily harm after allegedly injuring his baby son. Police said the man's nine-week-old baby boy was brought to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital about 11pm on April 24, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit with life-threatening injuries. It was alleged the infant had multiple serious injuries. The Sunshine Coast Child Protection and Child Trauma Unit has been investigating the matter and the boy's father was arrested on Saturday afternoon. The 30-year-old Currimundi man, who cannot be named to protect the child's identity, has been charged with one count of grievous bodily harm domestic violence offence against a child. The father's lawyer, Chelsea Emery, told the court her client had no criminal history and that there was no history of domestic violence. She also told the court her client was at risk of self-harm. The court heard the father had previously threatened to sell the house and flee to Thailand. Police prosecutor Mel Pike told the court the boy's injuries included multiple blood clots, fractures, swelling, bruising, and an "acute, severe brain injury" caused by "high-velocity trauma". Ms Pike told the court this referred to movements causing the brain to move around inside the baby's skull. She also accused the defendant of telling conflicting versions of what happened to police. She said those allegations were based on his phone records. Magistrate Andrew Sinclair agreed the crown's case was "quite strong". He told the court the medical report said the baby boy had lost function to both of his eyes and suffered serious brain damage. Mr Sinclair said this reportedly resulted in seizures. "Treatment was given, but unable to fully reverse those injuries. It's going to cause long-term permanent injuries," he said. Mr Sinclair said the injury allegedly occurred when the baby boy was alone with his father. He said the mother then returned home, noticed the baby was unwell, and drove them to hospital, where the injuries were uncovered. "The defendant told investigators initially that he didn't touch or move the child during that period," Mr Sinclair said. The baby boy has since been released from hospital. Prior to being arrested, the father was permitted to visit his baby for 90 minutes at a time, every second day, while the investigation was ongoing. The court heard he moved out of his family home last Wednesday. Now, he remains remanded in custody. "I'm required to refuse his bail," Mr Sinclair said. The matter is due to return to Maroochydore Magistrates Court on September 7 and a brief of evidence has been ordered for August 24.