Issac Dickson

Issac Dickson died in King's College Hospital on 5 December 1959 after being admitted with several injuries, having 'a history of falls'.

He died from pneumonia linked to a weakening of his chest.

When he was admitted to hospital on 25 November 1959 his mother admitted that he had had three falls in the previous five days.

The doctor at the King's College Hospital said that Issac Dickson died following an emergency operation that was necessitated by injuries to his chest. He added that the general condition and nutrition of the baby were found to be excellent on admission.

It was also heard that Issac Dickson had previously been admitted to hospital in April 1959 with injuries to his ribs and in June 1959 with a fractured arm. His mother said that in the June incident that Issac Dickson had fallen down twelve steps whilst she was cooking dinner.

Issac Dickson's father said that Issac Dickson had a fall in November 1959 whilst he was teaching him to walk but when asked about his other severe injuries he said, 'I haven't the slightest idea how they occurred'.

A detective that gave evidence at the inquest said that he found no evidence of brutality inflicted on Issac Dickson.

The pathologist noted that Issac Dickson was fairly well nourished and said, 'It is quite clear the child died from pneumonia linked with weakening of the chest'.

An open verdict was returned at the inquest.

When the Coroner summed up he said, 'This case has been extensively investigated and the investigating officers find the child was well fed and well looked after and there is no evidence of brutality. I am personally not happy about the number of falls this child has had. One of the important parts of being a parent is to protect a child from injuries and falls. It is not enough to give a child food and warmth. It must also be protected. In view of the number of falls I can't be entirely happy in my own mind this child has had the protection required. As I am unable to obtain evidence of injuries prior to the admission to hospital, I am not prepared to return a verdict in this case. I am going to say this child has died from injuries received and that the full cause of these injuries has not been ascertained by the evidence'.

The Coroner added that it was not enough for parents to give their child food and warmth and fail to protect them against injury.

Issac Dickson was the son of a student from Ghana and had lived with his parents in Mary Brophy, Auckland Road in Upper Norwood.