Trevor James Thomsen enters guilty plea to manslaughter

The uncle of a boy who died at Cairns Hospital after being horrifically injured has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his 23-month-old nephew. What happened in court.

The child was taken to Cairns Hospital but later died. Picture: Brendan Radke

The uncle of a boy who died at Cairns Hospital after being horrifically injured has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his almost two-year-old nephew.

Trevor James Thomsen was arraigned before Justice Jim Henry in the Cairns Supreme Court on Monday.

The well dressed 40-year-old from Gordonvale wore a freshly pressed white shirt as he entered a plea of guilty to one count of manslaughter (domestic violence offence) over the death of his 23-month-old nephew, Chase Thomsen.

The charge carried a circumstance of aggravation meaning Thomsen is liable to a greater punishment.

Police allege about 4.30am on September 27, 2021, emergency services were called to a McSweeney Cr home in Gordonvale after reports of an unresponsive 23-month-old child.

The boy was found to have suspicious wounds to his face and body when arriving at the Cairns Hospital. Picture: Brendan Radke

The boy was admitted to Cairns Hospital with horrific injuries, including suspicious wounds to his face and body.

The child could not be saved and later died.

During the discussion of dates to be set aside for the upcoming sentencing hearing, defence barrister Pat Wilson, instructed by Fisher Dore Lawyers, said the matter was relatively “uncomplicated” and indicated to the court he was unsure if three days would be required to hear the matter.

Crown prosecutor Michael Lehane did not object to an adjournment until next year, considering Thomsen would be remanded in custody until then.

The manslaughter charge followed a lengthy investigation by the Cairns Child Protection and Investigation Unit into the boy’s death under the banner Operation Tango Comter and on April 19, 2023, Thomsen was charged with one count of manslaughter.

Child trauma specialists, including pediatric trauma doctors in Brisbane, were consulted as part of the investigation.

It’s understood the crimes of Thomsen were particularly heinous, based on the shocking condition of the boy before his death.

Head of the Cairns CPIU Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Gooiker was present in the court on Monday to observe proceedings.

A sentencing date was set for February 6, 2025.

Until then Thomsen will be remanded in custody at Lotus Glen Correctional Centre.

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Originally published as Trevor James Thomsen enters guilty plea to manslaughter