Father in court accused of murder of son who was hurt as a baby

A man has appeared in court accused of the murder of his son, who died 14 years after sustaining a severe head injury as a baby.

Lejunae Wood, 42, of Wuppertal, Germany, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court after being arrested at Heathrow Airport and charged with the alleged murder of Leajunne Wood, who died aged 14 in 2021.

Aged four months old, Leajunne was found to have life-changing injuries following an incident in December 2007 in Hayes, west London, according to the Metropolitan Police.

At court, Mr Wood spoke to confirm his identity. He will appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

Pathologist reports in 2023 revealed Leajunne died following complications from a severe head injury, the Met Police said.

Cathryn Evans, prosecuting, said the defendant was accused of the murder of his own child.