Man found guilty of murdering two-year-old boy in Coffs Harbour

A 40-year-old man has been found guilty of murdering a two-year-old boy on the New South Wales Mid North Coast in 2022.

The 40-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was standing trial in the New South Wales Supreme Court accused of murdering the child at a home in Coffs Harbour.

After hearing four weeks of evidence, the jury returned a guilty verdict on Monday after deliberating for four days.

The offender, who had been out on bail, was taken into custody.

During the trial, the jury heard that on May 23, 2022, the toddler's mother tried to wake him at the home, but he did not respond.

He was flown to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where he died of a catastrophic brain injury two days later.

The two-year-old was found to have a fractured pelvis, rib and bruising on his body, including his penis.

The trial heard the man was in a relationship and living with the child's mother at the time of the baby's death.

During the trial, the jury heard evidence that the accused would discipline the child by locking him in a dark garage with the lights off, putting him in the bath and by taking away his mattress and pillow.

The perpetrator spent 10 months in prison, and was given bail on August 28, 2025.

During the trial, the jury heard from a number of experts who detailed the chances of the baby sustaining the injuries from a head banging episode or a fall down the stairs the afternoon before.

Paediatric endocrinologist Margaret Zacharin gave evidence earlier this month stating her professional opinion was that the injuries were inflicted.

Defence barrister David Price said no-one had ever admitted to inflicting an assault on the young boy as it was a circumstantial case.

Justice Philip Boulten told the court the defence requested the offender remain on bail so that he could do a few things around the house before he was put into custody.

"Mr Price says it'd be good to have a day or so to get his house in order," Judge Boulten said.

Judge Boulten told the court the defence also requested he remain on bail due to his medical conditions.

"Effectively the corrective services are going to have to find a way to deal with him."

Justice Boulten told the court the risk of the offender not appearing in court on the next occasion was high.

"I do not find this an exceptional or special case or that there are special circumstances that justify the granting of bail," Judge Boulten said.

The man has been refused bail and will be sentenced on October 30.