THE jury in the case of a mother accused of allowing the death of her baby son at the hands of an allegedly violent boyfriend has been sent home for the night.
Thirteen-month-old Slater Sharkey died after he was taken to Shotley Bridge Hospital, near Consett, County Durham, on December 11, 2010.
Doctors believe the head injury that led to the brain damage, which killed him was ‘non-accidental’ and identified around 25 bruises on his body.
Rachel Peacock, 31, denies causing or allowing the youngster's death, together with a further allegation of child cruelty and Richard Morgan, 33, originally from South Wales, denies manslaughter.
The couple, who lived together at Owen Terrace, Tantobie, Stanley, are no longer together.
They have both been bailed to appear at Newcastle Crown Court tomorrow, when the jury will continue deliberating.
The nine women and three men were out for four hours without a verdict today.
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