Trial continues at Teesside Crown Court

Injuries suffered by a toddler almost 50 years ago were consistent with him being swung against a fireplace, a neurosurgeon has told a murder trial.

David Dearlove, 71, of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, denies killing his 19-month-old stepson Paul Booth in October 1968.

He says the little boy collapsed after falling out of bed at the family home in Haverton Hill, Stockton, Teesside.

Paul's brother Peter sparked a murder inquiry when he told police he remembered being three years old and seeing Dearlove swinging the toddler by his ankles against the fireplace.

Neurosurgeon Peter Richards, who specialised in childhood brain injuries from 1995 until he retired this year, told Teesside Crown Court the fatal fall from bed was an unlikely scenario''.

Richard Wright QC, prosecuting, asked: The alternative scenario, that of a striking of the head onto the fireplace, is that plausible?''

Mr Richards replied: That is a plausible one, yes.''

Mr Wright asked: Is that consistent with the injuries that were found?''

The neurosurgeon replied: I would consider it consistent.''

Mr Richards studied photographs, the post mortem examination, witness statements and interviews.

He based his findings on his experience of his clinical practice, and medico-legal cases where he had been asked to give his opinion.

Few children who fall from bed required hospital treatment, he said. When they do go, it is very rare that they have any significant injury,'' he said.It is very rare that they will die.

I would not use the term impossible, there will have been some unfortunate children in the world where this has happened - the statistics indicate this is incredibly rare.''

Mr Richards said he had known of a child die from falling from the top level of a bunk bed.

He had also experienced in his career seeing a child who required intensive care treatment after being swung against furniture.

Dearlove denies murder, manslaughter and child cruelty offences and the trial continues