Joshua Millinson murder trial: Parents had split before baby's death, court heard

Daniel Sanzone is accused of shaking 13-day-old Joshua Millinson at his Wolverhampton home in October last year, causing him 'catastrophic' brain injuries that led to his death.

Yesterday a jury heard how Joshua's mother, Zoe Howell, told a health visitor they were not together just three days earlier.

The court heard Howell, aged 19, declined to give Sanzone's details to health visitor Beverley Buckley when asked about Joshua's father.

"She said he wouldn't be having any contact with the baby but had had contact on a couple of occasions previously.

"She confirmed that she and the father were not in a relationship."

Birmingham Crown Court heard Mrs Buckley visited the family's home in Whitburn Close, Pendeford, on October 21.

She told the jury she observed Sanzone dress and make a bottle for Joshua, and left with with the impression he was being well cared for.

Earlier yesterday morning the court heard Joshua was twice taken to A&E at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital in the five days before the alleged murder on October 24.

The court heard on both occasions Joshua was assessed as being a well child.

In the afternoon, the jury was then played a 999 call made by Sharon Howell, Joshua's grandmother. She made the call on October 24 at 10.27pm after Zoe Howell brought Joshua to her at the family home.

Sharon Howell was repeatedly heard telling the operator that Joshua was not breathing.

Joshua suffered brain injuries, bleeding within the layer protecting his brain, and extensive bleeding into both retinas following the alleged shaking.

He died following nearly a month on life support after the High Court ruled his care should be withdrawn.

Sanzone, 23, denies murdering Joshua, causing or allowing his death and cruelty to a child.

Howell, 19, faces and denies the latter two charges and is accused by the prosecution of 'turning a blind eye' to the risk of harm to her child. The trial continues.