Joshua Millinson murder trial: Baby's injuries caused by 'pulling'

Joshua was allegedly assaulted and murdered by his father, 23-year-old Daniel Sanzone, at their Wolverhampton home last year when just 13-days-old.

Yesterday the trial of his parents heard from a radiologist who reviewed x-rays which showed six fractures in the infant's legs and who concluded they were likely inflicted.

Dr Amanka Offiah, said: "These kind of injuries would have been caused by gripping, pulling and twisting, one might say yanking, with the hand holding over the joint affected."

Asked if it could have been an alternative action, she added: "There is an American radiologist, Paul Kleinman, who suggests shaking.

"That was neither supported or denied in this case."

Sanzone, of Whitburn Close, Pendeford, allegedly shook Joshua causing him 'catastrophic' brain injuries which caused his death.

The infant was admitted to New Cross Hospital on October 24 last year and died following nearly a month on life support.

The prosecution allege he was 'wilfully assaulted' by Sanzone prior to suffering the fatal injuries.

At Birmingham Crown Court, Dr Offiah told the jury all 12 fractures suffered by Joshua - including six ribs - were "likely" inflicted given he also had a brain injury and extensive bleeding into both retinas.

She added the fractures could have been caused in four separate 'applications' of force.

"All of the rib fractures would have been caused together," she explained.

"It is possible to hold both knees at the same time and twist and pull and grip - that's another occasion.

Under cross-examination, Dr Offiah conceded "nothing is 100 percent certain" but insisted the fractures were not related to Joshua's birth.

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

Joshua's mother, Zoe Howell, 19, of the same address, 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.