Infant dies in Hobart hospital after alleged assault by father

http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/feb/26/infant-dies-after-alleged-assault-by-father

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An 11-week-old baby who was allegedly assaulted by her father has died in a Tasmanian hospital.

The girl was admitted to Royal Hobart hospital in a critical condition on Sunday, after reportedly sustaining a brain injury. She died on Thursday night.

Her father, a 36-year-old man from Launceston in the state’s north, had already been charged with three counts of assault against his daughter, although not charged in relation to the injuries that put her in hospital.

He was also charged with a lesser assault against his wife, the girl’s 36-year-old mother, and has been in custody since being refused bail at the Hobart magistrates court on Tuesday.

On Friday, Tasmanian police said the man could face further charges.

“Investigations are continuing and further charges may be laid in relation to this matter,” a Tasmania police statement said.

“The matter has been referred to the coroner and a coronial case has been opened.”

The ABC has reported that the original charges relate to an alleged incident in the family home earlier in February, and said the man is accused of “striking the baby on the back and pinching her face and ear”.

He was due to return to court on 9 March.