Dallas Kelly: Drugs found at Workington home where baby killed

Cannabis was found in the home of a father who is accused of shaking his baby boy to death, a court has heard.

Reece Kelly, 31, from Workington, has admitted manslaughter but denies murdering four-month-old Dallas in October 2021.

Carlisle Crown Court heard cannabis grinders, pipes and prescription-only medication were found by officers.

A pathologist found the child had suffered several rib fractures and died from a traumatic head injury.

Mr Kelly had been in sole charge of the baby after his partner and the child's mother, Georgia Wright, went to work just before 09:00. on 15 October.

He called 999 with paramedics arriving to find Dallas wearing only a nappy and lying on his back on the living room floor.

The baby was taken to hospital in Whitehaven and then transported to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he died on 19 October.

Officers searched the family home three days after Dallas' death and found drugs paraphernalia and packets of prescription-only medication as well as 58 tablets in a small box next to a play pen in the living room.

Mr Kelly and Ms Wright later appeared in front of a magistrates' court and admitted illegal possession of three controlled drugs including cannabis.

Meanwhile, a consultant musculoskeletal pathologist found Dallas had six rib fractures caused days before his death, jurors were told.

Five were caused three to six days before he died and one had been done six to 12 weeks before his death.

Ms Wright, 23, denies causing or allowing Dallas' death.

Both Mr Kelly and Ms Wright deny allegations of cruelty against their child by exposing him to harmful substances, failing to take him to medical appointments and providing adequate supervision and care.

Judge Mr Justice Dove said the trial had reached "half-time," although they "still have the other side of the question to hear" with Mr Kelly's legal team advising he would be giving evidence.

The trial continues.

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