Health visitor tells court of her surprise at hearing of baby's death

Deirdrie McInerney, 34, was giving evidence at the trial of Craig Jamieson, who denies murdering his daughter Abbie at the family home in Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, on 8 February, 2008.

Jamieson, 30, of 24 Summerhill Place, Drumchapel, Glasgow, has lodged a special defence of incrimination against his former partner, 29-year-old Nichola Haddock.

Ms McInerney told prosecutor Lesley Shand, QC, that she had visited Ms Haddock and her daughter Abbie at their home in Dumbarton Road, Scotstoun, Glasgow, on 7 February, 2008 – the day before Abbie died.

The jury was told that Abbie was one of the first babies that Ms McInerney had dealt with and she said she found the child's death very distressing.

Ms Shand asked her: "Did you have any concerns about Nichola Haddock or Abbie Jamieson on 7 February, 2008?"

She replied: "None whatsoever."

The court was told that because Ms Haddock voiced concerns that Abbie bruised easily, Ms McInerney had undressed the baby and had examined her from head to toe.

She said: "I didn't see anything at all."

When asked how she found Ms Haddock, she replied: "She was a concerned mother, very articulate. She always phoned if she had a problem and turned up for appointments."

She added that Jamieson was always there during home visit, but did not join in any discussions about the baby.

Ms McInerney said: "He would either be on the computer in the kitchen or watching television in the living room."

Under cross-examination by defence QC Ronnie Watson, she admitted she did not feel she needed to engage him in any conversation.

She also agreed with him that Ms Haddock was a concerned, anxious mother.

Jamieson is accused of murdering Abbie by inflicting blunt force trauma to her head and body by means unknown.

He is also charged with assaulting Abbie to her severe injury on 6 January, 2008, at their flat in Dumbarton Road.

He denies both charges.

The trial, before temporary judge Alastair Stewart, continues.