Dead baby had 'multiple injuries'

The adopted child died in 2000

An adopted baby who died almost three years ago while in the care of a Northern Ireland man had suffered multiple fractures before his death, the BBC has learned.

The Romanian boy had been in the care of Portadown man Geoffrey Briggs - a former overseas missionary.

Mr Briggs was jailed last year for fracturing the skull of the dead baby's twin brother.

Information obtained by the BBC shows that the 13-month-old child had suffered about 16 fractures to his ribs and torso in the weeks and months prior to his death.

There is no suggestion, however, that he died from those injuries.

Geoffrey Briggs adopted the children legally under Romanian law in July 2000. Three months later one of the boys died.

It is understood a post mortem examination was carried out at Craigavon Area Hospital at the time, but no death certificate was issued, and the body was buried.

Just 13 days later, the dead boy's twin was admitted to the hospital with a fractured skull.

Geoffrey Briggs adopted twin Romanian boys

Mr Briggs admitted having punched the child, and was later convicted of grievous bodily harm, and sentenced to a year in prison.

The body of the dead boy was then exhumed, and the original x-rays examined.

They showed he had suffered extensive fractures to his ribs and body, none of which have ever been explained.

The Department of Health tabled a review of the case almost two years ago.

The BBC understands the review has been completed, but not, as yet, been seen by any of the health ministers since the Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended.

No inquest has been held and the cause of death remains "undetermined".

There has been no explanation for the fractures, or of what happened when the child was examined on admission.

The surviving child is no longer in the care of Mr Briggs who has since been released from prison. He no longer lives in Northern Ireland.