Dad charged as baby fights for life in hospital

David Edward Christie, 35, of Wyre Grove, Blackpool, is accused of shaking six-week-old tot Marshall Christie vigorously after he found his son had turned blue.

Prosecutor Martine Connah, at Blackpool Magistrates, said: “This child’s life is unsustainable we have been told.This will result in the baby either having his hospital life support machine being switched off or he will die from his brain injuries.”

She added if the baby dies, the charge against his father may change.

Christie appeared in the dock dressed in a grey track suit for an hour long hearing during which his lawyer Ben Kaufman made an application for bail.

He told the court: “Whatever charge my client may face in due course he will deny. The thought of his son dying horrifies him.”

Earlier the prosecutor told how Christie lived alone at Wyre Grove. The child’s mother is currently in hospital, the court was told.

The prosecution objected to bail for Christie.

Magistrates remanded him in custody stating they feared Christie would not answer bail, could interfere with witnesses and for his own welfare and protection.

They sent him for trial at Preston Crown Court where he will appear on April 12.

Police said officers were contacted at shortly after 4am on Friday, March 10 by the ambulance service who were at the Wyre Grove address. .

The child was taken by ambulance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and then transferred to the Manchester Children’s Hospital where they remain in a critical condition.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We are providing support to the child’s family.”