NONACCIDENTAL INJURY INFLICTED ON A CHILD WITH AN AIR WEAPON

A case of non-accidental injury to an infant caused by the discharge o f an air pistol is presented, the first such case to be reported. A tw o-month-old baby was shot at close range by his father with a .177 air pistol. A false account of the cause of the injury was given by the f ather and initially supported by the mother. The pellet penetrated the skin in the centre of the child's forehead and lodged in the anterior wall of the sagittal sinus. It was removed under general anaesthetic and the child made an uncomplicated recovery. The father was subsequen tly convicted and jailed for the assault. The relevant literature on a ir weapon injuries and bizarre forms of child abuse is discussed.