Man confesses to killing girlfriend’s baby by shaking him so hard he suffered brain injuries
Paul Burgess, 25, flew into a fit of rage while tragic Zaiidyn Burke was in his care for just over an hour
A MAN has confessed to killing a 15-week old baby by shaking him so hard he suffered horrific brain injuries.
Paul Burgess, 25, flew into a fit of rage while tragic Zaiidyn Burke was in his care.
Burgess, who was in a relationship with the child's mum Jade Caven, was left in charge of the tot for over an hour while she visited a hospital.
When Miss Caven came into the room 10 minutes later Burgess was said to look anxious,
Her young son was in his bouncy chair and had been changed out of his pyjamas and into daywear.
Advocate deputy Iain McSporran, prosecuting, said: “The accused indicated a full bottle of milk on a table explaining that the baby had only taken a few mouthfuls.
"He went on to say the baby had choked a little, but he had patted his back and 'sorted it' before putting him in the bouncy chair.”
Miss Caven was said to have known something was wrong because her son was usually a good feeder.
When she went to check on him he seemed completely lifeless and his lips and face were turning blue.
The desperate mum picked up her son, put him on the sofa, and shook him.
Burgess then carried out chest compressions on the baby while Miss Caven phoned 999.
When the frantic mum got through to an emergency handler she was said to be too distraught to speak.
Burgess then took over and surprised the call handler with how calm he was.
The court also heard that Miss Caven and Burgess were still in a relationship until she realised he had caused the injuries.
It dawned on her at a hearing at Dumfries Sheriff's Court.
Burgess was originally charged with murder but pleaded guilty to culpable homicide.
His sentencing will take place next month and he has been remanded in custody.
The court earlier heard how a CT scan of Zaiidyn's spine and head showed he had brain injuries caused by shaking.
A specialist said the haemorrhaging was the worst he had seen in nearly 20 years.
Mr McSporran told the court: “(Burgess and Miss Caven's) relationship ended during the sheriff court proceedings as the truth dawned on her.
“There was no evidence that would explain the sudden change in the baby's health that afternoon.
“He had been healthy and alert when left in the sole care of the accused – and unresponsive an hour later.
“The sheriff concluded that the accused had been required unexpectedly and at short notice to look after the baby.
“The sheriff found that Zaiidyn was the victim of an assault causing fatal injuries and that the accused was responsible for that assault.
“The Crown accepts that the accused, for some reason as yet unknown, but most probably associated with difficulty feeding the baby, suffered a loss of temper and shook him with sufficient force to cause fatal brain injuries.”