A MAN jailed for unwittingly killing his son in a bid to relieve constipation and breathing problems, was refused permission to attend the child's funeral, his wife claimed yesterday, writes Chris Starrs.
Mrs Annette Linton, 30, is to complain to her MP that she was alone in Alexandria Cemetery, near Dumbarton, as a minister carried out a simple burial service, while her husband was 20 miles away in Barlinnie Prison.
James Linton, 33, was jailed for five years, three weeks ago, for killing 10-week-old Stuart, who suffered brain haemorrhages, internal injuries, and 26 fractured ribs. The Crown accepted these were caused when Linton tried to relieve the baby's colic, constipation, and breathing problems.
Mrs Linton, of Buchanan Avenue, Balloch, said yesterday that she and her husband had been allowed to meet in the prison church after the funeral service.
She added: ''My solicitor asked the governor to allow Jim out, accompanied by prison officers, for the funeral, but he refused. After the funeral I was allowed a visit to Jim, and the governor arranged a 'service' in the prison church. But it was not the same as being allowed to bury our baby together.
''I intend writing to my MP to complain at the attitude of the governor.''
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Prison Service said yesterday she could not comment on individual cases.
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