I fell with tot, admits baby-shake accused

Philip Doyle (34), of Tinakilly, Aughrim, Co Wicklow, has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to murdering three-and-a-half month old Ross Murphy at 3 Creagh Demesne, Gorey, Co Wexford, on April 5, 2005.

The jury has been watching videos of garda interviews with the accused after he was arrested on April 27, 2005.

The court heard the painter and decorator changed his story from an account he gave in a witness statement earlier in the month saying he saw the baby shaking its head to then telling gardai in an interview he fell while holding the infant.

In a sixth interview with gardai Doyle said: "I panicked as soon as I fell. I knew Ross was badly injured. I was afraid to tell Leona (his ex-fiancee). I was petrified." The trial continues.

hnews@herald.ie