The trial of Craig Rowland, a 29-year-old man from Millington Park in Portadown, centers on the tragic death of his infant son, Lewis Oliver Rowland. Lewis, who was just 13 weeks old, died on October 20, 2018. Rowland is charged with both murder and manslaughter, charges he denies.
Lewis was taken to Craigavon Area Hospital in November 2015 with serious head injuries. He later passed away in 2018 due to complications from surgery.
On Tuesday, during proceedings at Belfast Crown Court, the jury listened to a pediatric neuroradiologist. This expert specializes in brain and spinal injuries in children and was asked to review scan images taken after Lewis’s death.
The doctor testified that the brain injury sustained by Lewis was among the most severe he had encountered. He explained that the injury was likely the result of a “forceful shaking episode,” comparable to injuries seen in car accidents or falls from great heights.
Sudden Behavioral Changes
The court learned that Lewis’s injury was classified as “severe” and resulted from “traumatic force.” The doctor noted that such a significant brain injury would lead to an abrupt change in behavior, including seizures and altered levels of consciousness.
When asked about the cause of Lewis’s injury, the doctor indicated that the bleeding in the brain and the absence of swelling suggested it was due to a “forceful shaking injury.” He stated that the level of force involved was inappropriate and likely occurred within 24 hours of Lewis being admitted to the hospital.
“He needed urgent treatment to preserve his life,” the doctor emphasized. Without prompt care, the brain injury would almost certainly have led to his death.
Momentary Loss of Control
In response to questions from Rowland’s defense, the doctor clarified that the term “non-accidental injury” does not necessarily imply intent. “Most of these cases arise from a momentary loss of control, not a premeditated desire to inflict harm,” he said.
Craig Rowland is currently out on bail and has previously pleaded guilty to willfully neglecting his son. The child’s mother, Laura Graham, 31, has also admitted to the same charge.
The trial is ongoing.
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