Father accused of death of daughter after causing her seizures

A man who tried to stop his four-month-old daughter crying by shaking her until she was unconscious caused injuries that resulted in her death 13 years later, a coroner has ruled.
But because Melissa Bennett died more than a year and a day after the injuries were inflicted, no one could be charged. Melissa died last February as a result of epilepsy caused by brain damage. She was taken to hospital in 1993, and again 2½.

Mr Bennett admitted placing a pillow over his baby’s head and shaking her violently. He was later jailed for grievous bodily harm with intent. Until 1996 no one could be charged with causing a death if a year and a day had elapsed after the injuries. The Act repealing the rule was not retrospective.