Charlie Gard’s dad shouts ‘evil’ and his mum bursts into tears after Great Ormond Street lawyer tells court the tot’s latest MRI scan makes for ‘sad reading’
DESPERATELY ill Charlie Gard's dad shouted "evil" and his mum burst into tears after being told a new MRI scan on the tot makes for "very sad reading".
Chris Gard and Charlie's mum Connie Yates were dealt the devastating blow by Katie Gollop QC, representing Great Ormond Street, at the High Court this afternoon.
The judge, who is making case directions today, had heard Charlie has undergone further scans over the past few days.
But Connie said she and Charlie's dad had not yet seen the report.
Ms Gollop said: "Almost all the medical evidence in this case makes for sad reading.
"I'm very sorry. I didn't mean to cause distress."
Barrister Grant Armstrong, representing Charlie's parents, said Ms Gollop should not have broken news about the scan before Charlie's parents had read the report.
It comes after the terminally ill ten-month-old was given US citizenship to allow him to fly over to America for treatment.
But in another blow for his parents, a judge yesterday ruled in Great Ormond Street's favour over a brain scan.
The parents were pushing for test, which should take no longer than 30 minutes.
But specialists at the hospital caring for Charlie said a scan would have to be carried out for at least four hours to prove useful.
On Wednesday, a New York doctor failed to convince Great Ormond Street medics that his experimental treatment offers a lifeline to little Charlie.
Dr Michio Hirano, 56, met with four consultants and Charlie’s mum Connie, 31.
The neuroscientist believes new drugs have a “small but significant” chance of reversing brain damage caused by Charlie’s rare genetic condition.
But he was unable to persuade the London hospital’s clinical team who believe it is kinder to turn off ten-month-old Charlie’s life support.
His parents have already lost battles in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in London.
They have also failed to persuade European Court of Human Rights judges to intervene.
But the couple say there is new evidence and want Mr Justice Francis, who in April ruled in favour of Great Ormond Street and said Charlie should be allowed to die with dignity, to carry out new analysis of their case.
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And earlier this month, Charlie was given fresh hope after two United States Congressmen announced a bid to make him a lawful US resident.
Charlie's mum Connie said at the time: “Chris and I are so grateful to Dr Hirano and the other clinicians for coming to see Charlie.
"Our gorgeous baby boy is still stable. We are at his bedside and feel satisfied he is not suffering or in any pain.
"As Charlie's loving parents we are doing the right thing for our son in exploring all treatment options."
Last week Mr Justice Francis, who previously ruled Charlie should be allowed to die, reopened the case after Dr Hirano came forward with new evidence.
The refusal of the hospital to drop its opposition to Dr Hirano’s three-month trial is a huge blow for Charlie’s parents.
Dr Hirano was invited to the UK after the UK medics said his views should not be considered until he had seen Charlie himself.
He flew in on Monday to examine Charlie and viewed a brain scan with an Italian expert.
Connie and husband Chris have been pushing to have their son sent to the US for pioneering treatment to treat his rare genetic condition.
A judge is expected to make his final decision on July 25.