27 Mar 2017

Dead boy's bruising not accidental - witness

9:28 pm on 27 March 2017

A specialist paediatrician has told a court the bruising on a 15-month-old boy who died did not appear accidental.

Troy Taylor at the High Court in Christchurch.

Troy Taylor Photo: Pool

Troy Taylor is on trial in the High Court in Christchurch for assaulting and murdering Ihaka Stokes at their home in 2015.

Mr Taylor was the partner of Ihaka's mother, Mikala Stokes, and was considered to be Ihaka's stepfather.

Crown witness Janet Ferguson, a specialist paediatrician, gave evidence today that she examined Ihaka when he was taken to Christchurch Hospital.

She talked the court through forensic photos taken of the boy shortly after he died.

Most of the bruising to Ihaka's head did not appear to be accidental, she said.

The pathologist who conducted an autopsy on Ihaka is expected to give evidence next.

The trial is continuing.

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