Dudley baby death trial: Jurors told baby had pneumonia before collapse

Dr Irene Scheinberg gave evidence at Birmingham Crown Court into the death of five-month-old Summer who was allegedly killed by her father Philip Peace.

Prosecutors allege he shook Summer before she collapsed and suffered fatal brain injuries on September 9, 2017.

Peace, aged 42, of Himley Road, Dudley, is accused of her murder which he has denied.

More from the trial:

• Dudley father accused of baby murder was 'brilliant dad', his mother tells court

• Father accused of baby murder said he would 'protect his children at all costs'

• Baby girl died due to 'head injury', according to medical expert

• Dudley baby death trial told of girl's 'traumatic injury'

• Dudley baby death trial: Collapse of five-month-old Summer not due to pneumonia, expert tells court

• Dudley baby death trial: Jury told of little Summer's fight for life

• Dudley baby death trial: Medics tell of fight for little Summer

• Father could have caused brain injuries to girl in panic after she collapsed, trial told

In cross-examination, Peace’s defence counsel, Michael Turner, asked Dr Scheinberg: “I would like your opinion as to whether this was pre-existing pneumonia or post-collapse pneumonia.”

She replied: “I think she had an infection prior to her collapse.”

Dr Scheinberg was asked about the same subject by the prosecution, Andrew Smith QC, to which she replied: “I think it is a strong possibility she had pneumonia before she collapsed.”

Mr Smith QC asked Dr Scheinberg if she could say what Summer’s cause of death was, from a paediatric point of view.

She told jurors: “No, I can’t say. I think 60 per cent she had pre-existing pneumonia, 40 per cent I have not got a clue.”

In response, Mr Smith said: “It is not that you do not have a clue, the other is traumatic brain injury.”

Alongside suffering a traumatic brain injury, Summer also sustained 11 rib fractures.

Her father administered chest compressions after Summer collapsed.

Dr Scheinberg was asked about medical evidence concerning Summer’s fractured ribs.

She said she did not accept all of those were fractures.

She appeared as a witness for the defence.

The trial continues.