A CHEF has appeared before magistrates in connection with a ‘baby shaking’ case.
Richard Lovell, 24, a chef at Oddfellows, who lives in Treborth Road, Blacon, is accused of unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm against his baby son R-Jay Lovell with intent.
The incident is alleged to have happened at an address in Chapel Lane, Chester, on February 6.
The case involves the four-month-old baby boy who was born at the Countess of Chester Hospital on November 13 last year.
The infant was taken to hospital by 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 where he is still being treated.
It is understood the injuries to the brain will result in severe permanent brain damage and visual impairment although a full medical report has not yet been completed.
Magistrates had imposed an order preventing the identification of the child but this was lifted following a challenge by The Chronicle on grounds the infant would be unaffected by media coverage due to his young age.
Lovell, who has two other children from another relationship, was released on bail on condition he lives at a specified address, reports daily to the police station at Blacon or the town hall, has no unsupervised contact with any young person under the age of 16 and has no contact whatsoever with R-Jay Lovell.
The case was adjourned until March 26, when Lovell will appear at Chester Crown Court.
