The 27-year-old man from Assen who is suspected of manslaughter of his twelve-week-old son can await the trial at home. His pre-trial detention has been suspended, but he must adhere to certain conditions. The court determined this today during an introductory hearing.
At previous preliminary hearings, the man denied that he killed his own child in October last year. The son had fallen from the changing table and was seriously injured, he said. The boy died as a result of brain damage. The man from Assen was alone with his child at that time.
Given the injuries, the Public Prosecution Service finds it more likely that the child was seriously injured by violence (hitting, shaking) to such an extent that it died. A neuropathologist investigates the possible cause of the injury. That report should be ready in November.
In addition, a forensic pediatrician has been appointed to investigate possible other scenarios. That investigation is still ongoing. The man from Assen can go home today, after almost eleven months of pre-trial detention.