Orana Local Area Command (OLAC) crime manager Detective Inspector Rod Blackman has praised the “truly commendable” work of officers involved in preparing the case against convicted toddler killer Matthew Allen James Dennis.
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Dennis was found guilty of murdering a 23-month-old boy in a Dubbo flat on March 21 last year.
A jury took more than three days to find Dennis guilty of killing the boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
The toddler died of massive head injuries.
During the three-week trial, Dennis’ defence claimed the boy had sustained the injuries when he fell in the shower, however, the doctor who performed the autopsy on the toddler told the court he did not believe the injuries occurred in that manner.
“I am of the opinion that these injuries occurred as a result of numerous applications of blunt force trauma to the head,” the doctor said.
“I would estimate at least three or four applications of severe blunt force trauma.”
The verdict brought to an end a journey that began for police with a call-out to a Brisbane Street unit, where the murder took place about 17 months earlier.
It took almost a month from the day of child’s murder for police to gather enough evidence to take Dennis into custody on April 17 last year, a time span which was followed by a long period of intense evidence-gathering and analysis before this month’s trial.
Det Insp Blackman was understandably proud of the work put in by OLAC officers.
“Any homicide investigation is very labour intensive and often quite taxing on police officers involved, this case being no different,” he said.
“These significant investigations are of such public interest that the community expect no stone being left unturned.
“In this particular matter that meant substantial medical and expert evidence obtained and utilised.
“The amount of brief of evidence preparation generally is significant and occurs over many months, including during the investigation and up to trial.
“The work of the officers involved in this investigation is truly commendable and indicative of the levels of commitment and professionalism for officers at this command.
“Superintendent Single and I continue to be impressed, particularly with the Dubbo Detectives, as they repeatedly work above the call of duty out of personal pride and commitment in often difficult circumstances.”
Det Insp Blackman said he hoped the work of police offered some comfort to the young victim’s family.
“In regards to the family we hope that this conviction provides some closure in what can only be described as a complete tragedy,” he said.
“Our hearts go out to them.”
Dennis will be sentenced in Sydney on November 27.
Any sentence handed down to Dennis will be backdated to April 17 last year.