Prosecutors have withdrawn charges against a father from Co Tyrone and Matthew Woods, 20, of Lurganmore Road, Ballygawley, related to injuries on a five-month-old baby. The men faced joint counts of intentionally applying pressure to the baby's neck, affecting his breathing or blood flow to his head, and assault causing actual bodily harm. The father also faced a child cruelty charge for neglect.

Police responded to a report from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service on August 15, 2025, that the baby had been assaulted by a family friend. Officers found the mother holding the motionless baby, who had laboured breathing. The baby had multiple bruises on his face and was taken to South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen with serious injuries.

The mother's daughter stated Woods slapped the baby and hit him with a toy while they played on the floor. She described the baby's face turning blue and his mouth as broken. Woods and the father had been drinking. Woods left the house when challenged by the mother. Both men denied involvement in police interviews.

Initially, attempted murder charges were considered but amended to lesser offences by the Public Prosecution Service after review. An internal police dispute existed over charging one man. A custody sergeant recommended release on bail, overruled by an inspector.

At an earlier Omagh Magistrates Court hearing, a judge granted bail with reluctance, noting the undisputed injuries and that the men had been drinking while in charge of the child.

At the latest Omagh Magistrates Court sitting, a prosecutor stated the charges are no longer proceeding.