THE case against a chef who had been accused of assaulting his baby son has been discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Richard Lovell, 24, an ex-employee of Oddfellows, of Treborth Road, Blacon, had faced a charge that he unlawfully and maliciously caused grievous bodily harm against his young son R-Jay Lovell with intent, originally described in court as a ‘baby shaking’ case.
The incident was alleged to have happened at an address in Chapel Lane, Chester, on February 6.
However, prosecutor Nick Williams told a Chester Crown Court hearing which Mr Lovell was not required to attend, the case had been discontinued by the CPS.
But he cautioned: “It’s the Crown’s anticipated stance that we will in due course reinstigate proceedings.”
Judge David Hale responded: “You must make sure Mr Lovell is under no illusion that’s the situation.”
He concluded: “For the moment that’s the end of the case but the prosecution can reinstigate proceedings if they have further evidence.”
The case involved Mr Lovell’s baby boy who was born at the Countess of Chester Hospital on November 13 last year. The infant was taken to hospital by Mr Lovell following a 999 call in which it was said the child was not breathing.
Medics found the baby had bleeds to his brain and hundreds of haemorrhages in both eyes.
The infant, who was also found to have a fractured left forearm, was transferred to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool but is now believed to be at home with his mother.
It is understood the brain injuries will result in severe permanent brain damage and visual impairment.
Mr Lovell, who had been due to enter a plea at the hearing, has two other children from a previous relationship.
