Major breakthrough over the death of a newborn baby in Adelaide

A man has been charged, two months after a newborn baby was allegedly fatally injured while he was caring for him.

Shane John Marshall, 50, from Parafield Gardens in Adelaide, has been charged with manslaughter after the seven-week-old baby was rushed to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital on July 24.

Police allege the baby sustained injuries that same day at an address in the northern suburbs, The Advertiser reported.

The baby died six days later, with South Australian police reporting it a serious crime that day.

After an extensive investigation, detectives from the Major Crimes Division arrested Marshall on Wednesday and charged him with manslaughter.

Police allege Marshall injured the baby while caring for him on the same afternoon the seven-week-old was rushed to hospital.

The boy’s identity has been kept secret by the court.

Marshall appeared in Adelaide District Court via video link on Wednesday afternoon, where he attended the hearing in silence.

The court ruled that police needed months before they could complete their case against him, the Advertiser reported.

Prosecutors told the court they needed at least four months to prepare their case against the 50-year-old.

Marshall’s attorney, Kate Opolski, asked Magistrate Roderick Jensen to grant her client bail.

The prosecution did not oppose the bail application and the magistrate agreed to release Marshall, citing the reason that he would have to remain in custody for a long time if the case went to trial.

Marshall was released on $1,000 bail with strict bail conditions.

He must live at his parents’ address, may not contact certain people and must report to prison.

Marshall had little to say, trying to shield his face with his fluorescent jersey as he left the field, surrounded by media crews.

“No comment,” a female supporter told reporters.

Marshall will appear in court again in January.