Warrane man Daniel John Ridgers to stand trial after not guilty plea to baby murder

A young Warrane man has pleaded not guilty to murdering a 10-month-old baby boy by “violently shaking” and dropping him in his cot last November. Here’s what will happen next.

Daniel Ridgers, a young Warrane man has been charged with murdering a 10-month-old baby. Picture: Facebook

A young Warrane man has pleaded not guilty to murdering a 10-month-old baby by “violently shaking” and dropping him in his cot.

Daniel John Ridgers, 25, appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Monday via video link, pleading not guilty to murder and grievous bodily harm dating back to November 30 last year.

The mother of the infant and her loved ones were present in court, with one woman crying when the pleas were entered.

A lawyer representing Mr Ridgers said it was expected the grievous bodily harm charged would be withdrawn.

Magistrate Michael Daly remanded Mr Ridgers in custody to next appear in court for a preliminary proceedings application on March 28.

Preliminary proceedings hearings, previously known as committal hearings, are held to test the evidence on serious – or indictable – offences before they go to the Supreme Court of Tasmania.

Mr Ridgers was previously solely charged with causing grievous bodily harm after allegedly “violently shaking” and dropping the baby in his cot at Warrane.

Tasmania Police previously said the baby was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital in the early hours of December 1, with Mr Ridgers taken into custody the same day.

His charge was upgraded to murder on December 4 after the baby died.

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