Waterford Circuit Court heard yesterday about the fatal circumcision of a month-old baby boy.
Osagie Igbinidion (32), from Nigeria, is charged with recklessly engaging in conduct in and about the circumcision of Callis Osajhae in a manner which created a risk of serious harm or death to that child at Summerhill Mews, Waterford on August 17th, 2003.
Idehem Osajhae, also from Nigeria and the father of the child, said yesterday he and his wife sought out Mr Igbinidion after being told by a hospital that the procedure is only performed here on medical grounds.
Mr Osajhae said it was the custom in his country to have male children circumcised in accordance with their religious beliefs.
The father said Mr Igbinidion arrived at his home in the company of two black men and he circumcised the baby on the kitchen table.
Mr Osajhae said he and his wife Mabel had started arguing when the bleeding worsened around midnight. The distressed mother wanted to take the child to hospital - the row spilled outside the house and neighbours heard them arguing loudly.
Mr Igbinidion, who was living in a refugee centre in Kilkenny, charged the couple €100 for the circumcision.
When the family contacted him he told them bleeding was normal and to put olive oil on the wound and to give the baby Calpol for the pain. He said not to close the nappies fully for a few days to allow the wound to heal.
He left their home later that night and, on being told they had an appointment with a health nurse, warned them not to attend.
"We were told not to bring him anywhere near a nurse until his penis was properly healed," said Mr Osajhae.
Despite the advice the bleeding grew worse and Mr Osajhae phoned his mother in Nigeria, who said it was normal but that he should take the child to hospital if it continued. "We were so confused."
He said after the baby died he told gardaí that the circumcision had been done by a white doctor from Belfast. He said he lied because he was a black man and confused and "afraid of lots of things at that time".
The mother of the dead infant Mabel Osajhae told the court: "When it was over they called me downstairs and told me to feed my baby. He refused to take the breast when I tried to feed him because he was in pain."
She said her husband was afraid to take the baby to hospital.
Family friend Endurance, who held the baby while he was being circumcised, said Mr Igbinidion had used a razor blade. "I closed my eyes when he cut the baby."
Callis was eventually taken to Waterford Regional Hospital shortly before 5am but by then he had bled to death.
The trial continues before Judge Kevin Haugh.