Adelaide Dad Convicted of Manslaughter After Baby’s Fatal Injuries

Ashley John McGregor, 34, has been found guilty of manslaughter and criminal neglect after his newborn son, Alvin, tragically died in April 2021. The incident occurred when Alvin was just three weeks old.

On April 21, 2021, McGregor, while caring for Alvin alone, called his partner Rebecca Denton in a panic, claiming that he had accidentally knocked over the bassinet where Alvin was sleeping. When Denton arrived home, Alvin was crying uncontrollably and showed signs of distress. However, McGregor failed to seek immediate medical help, and the baby’s condition worsened significantly over the next two days.

By the time Alvin was brought to the hospital, he was unresponsive and later died from blunt cerebral trauma. Post-mortem results revealed that Alvin had suffered severe injuries, including rib fractures, bruising, and head trauma, likely caused by violent shaking or impact.

Judge Paul Muscat ruled that McGregor lost control due to Alvin’s persistent crying, resulting in a violent reaction. McGregor was also found guilty of neglect for not taking Alvin to the hospital sooner despite clear signs of distress. Meanwhile, Alvin’s mother, Rebecca Denton, was sentenced to four years for her part in neglecting to get proper medical attention for her son, though she was not involved in the physical harm.

McGregor remains in custody while awaiting sentencing next month.