The jury trial of a footballer who allegedly caused a 15-month-old baby permanent brain damage by shaking the child so hard got underway today.

Mellieħa resident Akande Rotimi Williams, 27, a Nigerian-born with a Maltese residence permit, is accused of attempted wilful homicide, grievous bodily harm and ill treatment of a child. The case dates back to April 2013.

The court, presided over by Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi, heard that the baby was taken to hospital after Williams, who was dating the child's mother, allegedly found the baby unresponsive in the crib.
Emergency surgery to save the baby's life was performed, however resulted in a permanent disability.

12 days prior to that incident, the child was taken to hospital suffering from other injuries, thought to be from 'shaken baby syndrome.' The mother, on this occasion, said that her son was entrusted to a babysitter who shook the baby when she had an epileptic fit.

Lawyer Joseph Ellis was defence counsel. Lawyers Elaine Mercieca and Justine Cilia prosecuted.