Pretoria dad denies killing baby

2012-04-25 08:48

Pretoria - Alleged killer dad Nolan Schoeman told the North Gauteng High Court on Tuesday that he did not cause the death of his infant son Wade.

He admitted that he and Wade's mother Marissa Rudman used drugs while the baby was in hospital. He also told the court he was high on drugs when Wade was taken to hospital.

Schoeman, 32, and Rudman, 36, are on trial for Wade's murder. Both have pleaded not guilty to abusing and murdering him in April 2009, and to abusing another child.

Wade died of head injuries several days after he was admitted to the Steve Biko Hospital, in Pretoria, in a critical condition.

Schoeman told the court that a boy, who may not be identified, who said he had seen Schoeman punching the 2-month-old baby "must have been influenced" as he now lived with his father.

‘Only saw a bruise’

Schoeman held his head between his hands while looking at photographs of his baby's battered body.

He said he was "surprised" to see the injuries as he had only seen a bruise on the baby's forehead.

A pathologist earlier testified that the baby died of head injuries and also had two broken arms, 22 broken ribs, strange bruises on his feet and visible finger-type bruises on his head and chest.

The neurosurgeon who treated the baby said anyone would have been able to see the injuries.

Schoeman said he was shocked at his arrest and that Wade had died. "I feel the grief, but I can't express it, so I feel I'm in constant shock."

He said Rudman had discussed whether or not a 7-year-old child could have injured the baby.
The trial continues.

- SAPA