Trevor James Stevens

Doctors Describe Boy’s Injuries (New Zealand Press Association > WELLINGTON. Sept. 24. Two doctors said in the Lower Hutt; Magistrate’s Court today that extensive bruising on the head and body of a boy was caused by blows and beatings. Judith Joyce Stevens, aged 21, a housewife, of Stokes Valley, is charged with unlaw, fully killing Trevor James Stevens on July 22. Mesrs A. L. Bignell and V. Reynolds, Justices of the Peace, are on the bench. Detective Senior Sergeant D. J. Dwan is prosecuting and Mr D. S. Castle is representing Stevens. Dr. Allen Edward Hadfield Zohrab said he examined the boy when he was brought by his parents to the Hutt Hospital casualty department on the evening of July 19. The child was unconscious and was having difficulty breathing. The accused had told him the chi|d had been his usual self that day and had been put to bed at 5 p.m. When her husband arrived home at 6 p.m. he found the child blue and unconscious. He had also vomited. She said he had had measles three weeks previously but there had been no other illnesses. Witness said there was bruising on the face, both arms and legs, extensive bruising over the back and on the left side of the body There were a few small abrasions on the left middle finger and the left foot and a small superficial cut on the; back of the scalp. Witness said he had not asked accused for an explanation of the bruises. In his opinion it seemed impossible that the bruises could have been caused by repeated falling. It seemed likely the child had suffered some firm of violence. The face bruising could have been caused by punches. Leg bruising could have been caused by gripping the child and shaking him. The extensive bruising on the back could have resulted from punches or from the child being swung against furniture. The child was later put in an oxygen tent. Deeply Unconscious. Witness said that the story accused told him had led him to believe the child may have had a fit. After his examination he felt it likely the child had suffered a cerebral trauma because the child was bruised and deeply unconscious. Witness asked accused's husband in the presence of accused about the bruises. He had said they were the result of repeated falls. He asked accused's husband if he had beaten the child and Mr Stevens said “No.” Witness did not ask this of accused. Dr. Richard Bush said ho was called to the hospital by Dr. Zohrab later that evening. He considered the boy was suffering from brain injuries. Witness said he had thought the child would die. He had notified the police. Witness said he considered the injuries had not been caused by falls. Witness said he had formed the opinion the bruises had been caused by blows and beatings. The Crown called 14 witnesses. The accused then pleaded not guilty and was committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Source: Press (25 September 1965, p. 16) https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19650925.2.182

GAOLED FOR YEAR. Manslaughter Of Child (N.Z. Press Association. WELLINGTON. Oct. 22. There was no class of society that required such protection as the Court could assist in giving as did young children. Mr Justice McGregor said in the Supreme Court today. He was sentencing Judith Joyce Stevens, aged 21, a housewife, to 12 months' imprisonment for manslaughter. Stevens had been found guilty of manslaughter by unlawfully killing her two years and a half old son, Trevor James Stevens, last July. The jury added a rider recommending mercy. His Honour said that while he endeavoured to extend mercy, Steven’s treatment of the child had been unmerciful in the extreme. Unfortunately such offences were becoming too common and some parents were prepared to place their own material pleasures before the welfare of their children. Source: Press (23 October 1965, p. 25) https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19651023.2.287