Couple not guilty of son's manslaughter

Catherine and David Tribble. Picture / Northern Advocate (Whangarei)

A jury in the High Court at Whangarei today found a Northland couple not guilty of the manslaughter of their four-month-old-son.

After nearly 12 hours of deliberations, the jury found David and Catherine Tribble were guilty only of putting their four-month-old son Caleb's life at risk by failing to get medical treatment for him in December 2003.

Catherine Tribble wiped away tears as the pair stood in dock while the verdicts were read by the jury foreman.

They were on trial for the manslaughter of their four-month-old son Caleb by failing to provide the necessaries of life, and on another charge of endangering his life.

The Crown said the couple should have taken their son to hospital.

The infant died of blood poisoning on December 5 2003 from a urinary tract infection.

The Crown alleged the parents prayed for his recovery rather than get him proper medical treatment.

That was denied by the couple who told the court they believed their son had the same tummy bug other family members had had and that his health was improving.

David Tribble told the court during his evidence that, two days before Caleb died, a public health nurse had told him to take Caleb to hospital, but had agreed it could wait until the next day.

He said he did not oppose medication, including antibiotics.

The couple have been released on bail until sentencing in the High Court at Whangarei on December 19.

- NZPA