Dead boy's injuries could have been months old - expert

Brain injuries to a three-year-old boy allegedly murdered by his carer could have occurred weeks or months before his death, a medical expert told the High Court at Auckland today.

Consultant neuropathologist Dr Waney Squier was giving evidence by video link from Britain at the trial of Patricia Angela Pickering, 38, for murdering Dylan Hohepa Rimini.

She also denies charges of causing him grievous bodily harm, and assault.

Dylan died in Auckland's Starship Hospital on April 18, 2008, from brain damage caused by Pickering while she was caring for the toddler, the prosecution said.

Dr Squier told the jury today that Dylan's brain had bruising which could have occurred many weeks, possibly months, before his death.

"There was also damage to his brain which could have occurred five to seven days earlier, and fresh bleeding had occurred three days before his death," she said.

Defence counsel Frank Hogan asked her if she knew the cause of the most recent injuries.

Dr Squier said Dylan died from a lack of blood or oxygen supply to the brain, but she said she could not be sure what caused the recent softening of the brain.

Pickering's original trial in February was aborted after four weeks because a key medical witness was too ill to give evidence.

- NZPA