TOT ATTACK MINISTER TRACKED

TOT ATTACK MINISTER TRACKED

Mar 21, 2004

JOHN KELLY

Sunday Mirror

A FORMER missionary convicted for fracturing the skull of the baby twin he brought from Romania has been tracked down to his Scottish hideaway.

Geoffrey Briggs and his wife, Gwen, fled Northern Ireland following his conviction for harming 14-month-old Samuel.

The other twin, David, died in the couple's care only weeks before the injuries to Samuel were discovered.

Geoffrey Briggs was later sentenced to two years in jail for grievous bodily harm to his adopted son, though no-one has been charged in connection with the other child's death.

The boys were adopted under Romanian law in July, 2000 and taken to the Briggs' home in Portadown.

David died in October that year and a post-mortem examination failed to record a cause of death.

Thirteen days later, Samuel was admitted to hospital with a fractured skull, which Mr Briggs admitted causing by punching the child because he wouldn't take teething medicine.

David's body was exhumed and a second post-mortem examination revealed 27 partially-healed fractures.

No charges were made against either Mr or Mrs Briggs, though two health professionals, assistant state pathologist Dr Michael Curtis, who carried out the first post-mortem examination, and health visitor Claire McDonnell, still face professional conduct inquiries.

Dr Curtis was cleared of professional misconduct but still faces Government disciplinary procedures.

Ms McDonnell's inquiry stands adjourned until later this year. She denies misconduct.

Briggs, 40, a factory worker and a devout Free Presbyterian, was unable to have children naturally with his wife.

After hearing of the horrific conditions in the Romanian orphanages, they applied to adopt and spent pounds 24,000 in adoption fees and costs.

The Briggs appeared to be perfect candidates, and the authorities in both Romania and Northern Ireland were impressed with their missionary credentials.

Briggs was traced to his new Scottish home by BBC Spotlight reporter Kevin Magee who confronted him with unanswered questions surrounding the twins.

He also travelled to Romania to investigate the processes involved in the adoption, including the costs involved, and to interview the Romanian Secretary of State.

Spotlight is on BBC 1 at 10.35pm on Tuesday.