Case of Gladstone’s Tiaan Burger, the father accused of infant son’s murder, drags into fifth year

There has been a major twist in the case of a Gladstone father accused of killing his four-month-old son who allegedly suffered “catastrophic brain injuries” from being shaken.

Tiaan Burger leaves Brisbane Magistrates Court in 2022. Picture: Sarah Marshall

Lawyers for a father accused of murdering his infant child have alleged there has been a failure to comply with subpoenas relating to medical material as the case stretches into its fifth year.

Gladstone’s Tiaan Burger, then 27, was charged with murder in the days following the death of his four-month-old son Finnick who police allege suffered “catastrophic brain injuries” from being shaken.

Finnick died on January 15, 2020, his injuries including posterior rib fractures, bruises and a brain injury.

The matter was set down for review on Wednesday in Brisbane’s Supreme Court.

Tiaan Burger was charged with the murder of his son Finnick Hercules Burger.

Barrister Tony Kimmins said the defence was still waiting for some material from prosecutors and alleged there had been non-compliance with subpoenas.

“I effectively want two Crown doctors to provide affidavits about what they seem to refuse to provide us with information about,” he said.

Justice Peter Callaghan said it was “concerning” and set a hearing date to determine the order sought by Mr Kimmins.

It will be heard on July 17.

Burger is yet to enter a plea on the charge.

Originally published as Case of Gladstone’s Tiaan Burger, the father accused of infant son’s murder, drags into fifth year