Forensic psychologist to be cross-examined in manslaughter death of baby Khaylan Shayne Butler
A forensic psychologist’s report outlining “possible contributors” into the death of a 10-month-old baby has again held up sentencing. What the court heard.
Tasmania
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The cross-examination of a psychologist has added further delays to the sentencing of a man who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a 10-month-old baby.
Daniel John Ridgers, 26, pleaded guilty in November to the lesser charge of manslaughter of baby Khaylan Shayne Butler after the murder charge was downgraded.
Baby Khaylan was killed in November 2023 after he was shaken and dropped into his cot from a height of 60cm by Ridgers.
Both Ridgers’ lawyer Pip Monk and crown prosecutor Georgia Robinson asked for a date to be set for the examination of the forensic psychologist’s report.
The court heard that the psychologist had previously raised the susceptibility to loud noise as a triggering factor for Ridgers and a possible contributor to the November death of Khaylan.
Ms Monk said the full report said noise was just one of a “combination of these factors” that contributed to Ridgers’ actions on the night.
Prosecutor Ms Robinson said the crown wished to cross-examine the psychologist and the report as it “doesn’t quite reach the threshold of mental impairment and offending”.
“The state seek to cross-examine her on how this arises and in particular the issue about noise susceptibility,” she said.
“Dr Wright has now outlined other factors that affect Ridgers’ mental impairment.”
While concerned about the further delays to sentencing, Acting Justice Porter adjourned the matter until January 30 for cross-examination.
Ridgers was remanded to police custody to appear at this date.
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Originally published as Forensic psychologist to be cross-examined in manslaughter death of baby Khaylan Shayne Butler
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