Man accused of baby's assault in court

The man accused of assaulting south Auckland baby Cezar Taylor, who died of head injuries this week, made a brief appearance in court this morning.

James Allan Hemana, 30, stood in the dock of the Manukau District Court this morning facing a single charge of assault. A duty solicitor representing him told the court police inquries were continuing.

Hemana was remanded without plea until later in August. He said nothing during his time in the courtroom.

Six-month-old Cezar Taylor died on Wednesday night after being admitted to Starship Hospital on Friday with severe head injuries.

Detective Senior Sergeant Richard Wilkie had said earlier that Cezar's injuries were consistent with "shaking and blunt force trauma, which is a blow to the head" and appeared to have happened over a period of time.

Hemana, also known as James Sylva, is Cezar's mother's partner.

BABY DIED BETWEEN MEETINGS

CYF confirmed yesterday that the agency had been involved with the family several times in recent years. The mother recently moved to Auckland and a social worker was assigned earlier in July.

"The first meeting between the pair had been held to begin assessing this young mother's situation," CYF head Ray Smith said.

"Tragically, Cezar was admitted to hospital before the next meeting was held."

Mr Smith said he had ordered a review by the Office of the Chief Social Worker. "The death of this wee baby deeply saddens us all and our condolences go to those who loved him. It is extremely distressing that a baby has now died as a result of such callous abuse.

"We are working with the police to assist them in any way possible to get to the bottom of who is accountable for inflicting these terrible injuries."

Police said an autopsy on Cezar was started yesterday and would continue today. Investigations were continuing and more charges could follow.

The mother's two other preschool children were being cared for by family, Mr Smith said.