A medical theory that has led to dozens of women being jailed for shaking their babies has been called into question by new scientific research.

Doubt over 'shaken baby' theory that has sent dozens of parents to prison
article in the Telegraph

Extract:

"Two British pathologists have found that a combination of injuries used to diagnose abuse, known as the "triad", can happen naturally.

Dr Irene Scheimberg, from London's Bart's Hospital, and Dr Marta Cohen, from Sheffield Children's Hospital, warn that bleeding on the brain and retinas, swelling of the brain and oxygen deficiency do not only occur through vigorous shaking.

Their discoveries could have a dramatic effect on future child abuse trials and child protection hearings.

Dr Scheimberg said: "When there is no evidence of physical abuse, apart from the haemorrhaging, we may be sending to jail parents who lost their children through no fault of their own.

"As scientists it is our duty to be cautious when we see the triad and to take each case on its merits. We owe it to children and their families."

The study, published in the journal of Paediatric Developmental Pathology, found that the symptoms of shaken baby syndrome can happen in babies before they are taken home from hospital."