Mother Charged With Baby Boy's Death

Katarzyna Maria Gacek will face court today charged with the murder of her seven-week-old son at their home on 26 January.

The mother of Thomas Gacek, who died at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital a day after being taken to the hospital, is accused of killing her son and has also been charged with child neglect in connection with the infant's death.

Ms Gacek, 24, of Hillside Avenue, Oldham is due to appear at the Oldham Magistrates' Court this morning, along with Darren Butterfield, 35, of Hillside Avenue, Chadderton, and Dawid Mokrzanowski, 26, of Hillside Avenue, who have been charged with child neglect.

Police officers were called to the Royal Oldham Hospital at 02:10 GMT last Sunday when doctors noticed that the baby boy had severe head injures. Thomas Gacek was later transferred to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, but later died from his injuries.

According to Greater Manchester Police, a post-mortem examination revealed he died from head wounds "consistent with a non-accidental injury".

In a statement, Thomas Gacek's family said they are "truly devastated and deeply shocked by the tragedy we gave all suffered an the loss of our little baby boy".

They added: "We are a private family and, such as, we would ask the media allow us time to grieve in peace and come to terms with this tragic situation we have all found ourselves in.

"We are aware that there are numerous stories in circulation at present. However, we would ask that only official police statements given by Greater Manchester Police are taken as factually correct."

(CVS/JP)