[Location: Thanet] Murder trial told 12-week-old baby suffered catastrophic head injuries after being ‘thrown forcibly to floor’
Kent Online 2026-10-06 17:35:05
Context: Tyla Wharmby, 25, is on trial for the murder of 12-week-old Hunter Hodges, who suffered catastrophic head injuries while in Wharmby's care. The baby's mother, Shannon Hodges, had left Wharmby in charge of the infant while she slept in another room at their flat in Queen Street, Ramsgate, on July 15, 2022. Prosecutors allege that Wharmby, who was not the biological father but had been caring for the baby, lost his temper and threw the baby forcibly to the floor, causing fatal head trauma.
Key Facts
- 12-week-old Hunter Hodges suffered catastrophic head and brain injuries, including a skull fracture and brain bleed, while in the care of his mother's boyfriend, Tyla Wharmby, on July 15, 2022.
- The baby's injuries were consistent with being thrown forcibly to the floor or onto a solid surface, according to expert testimony at Canterbury Crown Court.
- An "old, healed" traumatic brain injury was detected during a post-mortem examination, suggesting that Hunter may have been shaken or subjected to another form of abuse in the days or weeks leading up to his death.
- Wharmby, of Prestedge Avenue, Ramsgate, denies murder and an offence of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, and has given "no comment" interviews to police on two occasions.