A court has heard that Benjamin Joseph Swann, 30, accused of murdering his ex-partner’s baby, inquired about the child’s bones while medical staff attempted resuscitation at Werribee Mercy Hospital. The boy was found unresponsive at home on January 19, 2024, exhibiting signs of breathing difficulty and coldness. Dr Anna Cartwright, a pediatric registrar, testified that the infant had small eye bleeds and bruising around the neck when admitted.
During examination, Swann asked if the boy’s bones were “OK,” a comment that Dr Cartwright found peculiar, especially with no evident trauma. She questioned whether the child had experienced a fall, to which both Swann and the mother denied any incidents. The infant was later transferred to the Royal Children’s Hospital, where he was confirmed to be extremely unwell.
At the hospital, Swann appeared distant, opting to step back as the mother emotionally bid farewell to the child, before he eventually approached to kiss the boy’s forehead. The hearing is part of a committal process to decide if there’s enough evidence for trial, where Swann faces charges of murder, child homicide, and various assaults against the mother. The proceedings are expected to extend over five days, handled by Magistrate Abigail Burchill.