Alleged murdered baby had so many injuries, police need more time: lawyer
Rex Martinich
The judge heard police needed more time to gather evidence into the alleged murder of a baby because the three-week-old child suffered “numerous” injuries.
Hank Shannon Sherriff, 25, was arrested Feb. 2 and charged with murdering his infant son.
Investigators allege the baby was injured at a Greenbank home in Logan, south of Brisbane, before relatives took him to hospital in July.
Sharif, who has been in custody since his arrest, was not required to appear in person when his case was heard at Beenleigh Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
His lawyer asked acting magistrate Sarah Thompson for an order that police give full evidence by a certain date.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Duncan Erskine said he was given a note by the police officer who arrested him in the Sheriff’s case.
“The arresting officer requested more time than usual from the court to prepare the summary of evidence,” Erskine said.
“Is there anything complicated about this?” Thompson said.
“There will be what I suspect is extensive medical evidence based on the numerous injuries listed in the record.” [charge sheet and alleged facts] and there are other agencies that the officer is in contact with,” Erskine said.
Police said the child died of internal injuries at Queensland Children’s Hospital on July 22, 2024.
Family members had taken him there in serious condition but with no apparent injuries.
“Sadly the three-week-old child passed away four days later,” Acting Detective Inspector Glen Antonie told the media in early February.
The boy’s death triggered a lengthy police investigation called Operation Whiskey Nell.
Detectives claimed the child suffered internal injuries.
On Feb. 4, a 24-year-old Southport woman was charged with one count of cruelty to children under 16 in connection with the child’s death.
He will appear at Beenleigh Magistrates’ Court on March 4.
Thompson ordered the release of all evidence to Sherriff’s legal defense by April 7.
Şerif was taken into custody on April 21 to have his case discussed in court again.
AAP
