The parents of a 15-month-old Scottish toddler, Fraai Herdman, who tragically passed away, have been cleared of killing him after a trial at the High Court in Glasgow. Craig Herdman, 46, and Paula Freitas, 37, were accused of culpable homicide against their son, who suffered from cystic fibrosis and developed an infection before his death on February 9, 2021. The couple was alleged to have not sought timely medical attention for Fraai at their home in Girvan, Ayrshire.
The court heard that Fraai had a cold that was “clearing up” weeks before his passing, with symptoms like a cough. His mother believed he would recover on his own as he appeared to be in good spirits. Fraai ultimately succumbed to broncopneumonia at Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock. The morning of his passing, Freitas noticed his breathing was irregular and then he suddenly deteriorated, prompting a frantic 999 call and CPR attempts by Herdman.
During the trial, it was revealed that the parents had expressed a preference for a “holistic approach” to treating Fraai, citing their opposition to conventional medical treatments and their reliance on remedies like homeopathy and physiotherapy. Concerns about seeking hospital care were also raised due to the COVID-19 situation at the time, and Herdman resisted a post-mortem examination for his son.
After almost 24 hours of deliberation, the jury found Herdman and Freitas not guilty. Prosecutor Alan Cameron argued that timely medical intervention could have saved Fraai’s life, emphasizing the parents’ responsibility in seeking appropriate treatment. Defence lawyer Mr McSporran highlighted that holding the couple accountable based on their beliefs would be unjust.
Following the verdict, Judge Lord Rennuci declared the parents acquitted and expressed understanding of the challenging nature of the case. The emotional toll was evident as Freitas held back tears in court. The judge thanked the jury for their service, acknowledging the complexity of the trial and hoping it was an educational experience for them.
In summary, the parents of Fraai Herdman, who passed away due to complications from cystic fibrosis, have been cleared of responsibility for his death. The trial shed light on their unconventional approach to healthcare and the tragic circumstances leading to Fraai’s demise.