Shaken baby syndrome has no "scientific validation", UK Doctor tells childminder trial

A defence witness at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has testified that shaken baby syndrome lacks scientific validation. The neuropathologist told the trial that she formerly supported the diagnosis but changed her view after research overturned key elements underpinning it. Sandra Higgins, a registered childminder from Drumgola Wood, Cavan town, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to a ten-month-old child in her care on 28 March 2012. The defence witness told the court there was evidence of pre-existing subdural haemorrhage in the child and of older injuries. She also noted that babies can experience a lucid interval following head injury. The witness cautioned against assuming the timing of injury based solely on when a child collapsed. Closing speeches were to follow, with proceedings before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury continuing.