Parents Accused of Murdering Premature Baby Daughter
A harrowing murder trial at Stafford Crown Court has heard how a five-week-old premature baby girl died with 47 separate rib fractures and catastrophic brain injuries, allegedly inflicted by her parents.
Catastrophic Injuries Described in Court
Prosecutor Harpreet Sandhu KC told jurors that "tiny" Darcy-Leigh Jefferson, who weighed just 4lbs at birth, suffered injuries so severe they could only have been caused by violent physical abuse. The premature infant, born on February 20, 2022, died on March 29 after being taken to hospital two days earlier.
Medical experts concluded her fatal brain injury resulted from either being "violently shaken" or having her head struck against a hard surface. Prosecutors allege the 47 rib fractures occurred when her chest was tightly squeezed, possibly during three separate incidents of abuse.
Pattern of Abuse Throughout Short Life
The court heard disturbing details about fractures to both of Darcy-Leigh's legs, which may have been caused when her limbs were "pulled or twisted" or when her entire body was shaken. Mr Sandhu stated: "Throughout the five weeks of her short life, she was physically assaulted on a repeated basis - she was assaulted repeatedly by those who should have been caring for her, namely, her parents."
Prosecutors presented evidence suggesting some rib fractures and leg injuries may have occurred simultaneously with the fatal head injury, possibly when the infant was shaken vigorously while being tightly squeezed.
Parents' Substance Abuse Revealed
The trial heard alarming details about both parents' alleged substance abuse during the pregnancy and after Darcy-Leigh's birth. Amy Clarke, 34, reportedly continued drinking alcohol and taking cocaine throughout her pregnancy, with one witness allegedly finding her "smoking a cigarette and snorting cocaine through a straw" while heavily pregnant.
Sean Jefferson, 35, was described as a cannabis user who allegedly spent household money on drugs. Text messages presented in court revealed a volatile and toxic relationship between the defendants, with Jefferson allegedly warning Clarke about the dangers of her substance abuse during pregnancy.
Legal Proceedings and Denials
Both Clarke, of Enots Close in Lichfield, and Jefferson, of Birch Court in Walsall, have pleaded not guilty to murder and causing or allowing their daughter's death. Prosecutors argue that even if only one parent directly caused the fatal injuries, the other bears responsibility for failing to prevent the abuse.
Mr Sandhu told the court: "Each defendant knew that the other was at risk of flying off the handle. When Darcy was born, therefore, each defendant knew that there was a significant risk of the other causing serious physical harm to Darcy, especially when alcohol and drug use was involved."
The trial continues as jurors hear further evidence about the circumstances surrounding Darcy-Leigh Jefferson's tragic death and the alleged failures in her care.
