Murray Bridge couple jailed for neglecting their twin boys

A man and woman from Murray Bridge will spend the next several years in prison for neglecting their twin toddlers, one of whom suffered life-threatening injuries.

Brodie Robert Tull, 25, and Starr Light Cahill, 29, were found guilty of criminal neglect in Adelaide’s District Court, and sentenced last Wednesday.

Each of their twin boys had suffered terrible injuries while in their care, according to Judge Ian White.

On examination in hospital, one was found to have at least 25 rib fractures, and possibly more.

His brother had at least 38 rib fractures, plus other broken bones and internal injuries.

The second son could have died were it not for quick thinking by Doctor Valentina Bojic, at the Murray Bridge hospital, who arranged for him to be taken by ambulance to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide.

Both parents denied they had inflicted any of the injuries.

They argued that they must have been caused by a daughter or a dog – suggestions Judge White rejected completely.

“These injuries much have been caused by either or both of you,” he said.

“In the end, only you two know what happened.”

He sentenced Tull to at least four years and six months behind bars, while Cahill will endure at least three years and nine months.

Both will be eligible for release in 2029.

The court had a responsibility to protect the weak and vulnerable, he said.

Young infants in their own homes should expect to be safe and secure.

“I have a hope that you both reflect upon what has happened and move away from your current deluded state of minds that you did nothing wrong in the care of your sons,” the judge said.

“All the evidence … exposes your current state of mind as being unsustainable as a matter of logic and reality.”