SENSITIVE papers for a major trial into a baby's death were stolen when thieves took a solicitor's car from outside Newport magistrates court.

Gareth Driscoll had the key to his car taken off a bunch of keys in his coat pocket on Thursday after it had been left in solicitor's room at the court.

Mr Driscoll had parked his navy blue Volkswagen Golf in Clytha Park Road. But when he went to return to his vehicle at noon, it had gone.

In his car were case papers for a trial into the tragic death of a four-week-old baby, which was due to start today.

Among the papers were expert reports from Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, and Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Merseyside, to be used in the case.

The trial may have to be postponed if the papers are not returned.

Defence solicitor Mr Driscoll said: "I was taking my client to a conference with her Queen's Counsel in Cardiff ahead of a four-week trail which was due to commence today at Cardiff Crown Court.

"Therefore all of the case papers were in my car. These papers include extremely sensitive information.

"The material has taken a whole year being collated and investigated.

"The theft of these papers will significantly affect the trial.

"It has caused my client and I an enormous amount of stress and anxiety. "How can we present her case fully without these papers?"

The papers were in six lever arch files and two red and two blue files.

Mr Driscoll is offering a £500 reward for the return of the files and information leading to the conviction of the thief.

Inspector Geoff Smith, of Gwent police, said: "If anybody has any information please contact PC Richard Oakerbee, the officer investigating this incident, at Newport central police station on 01633 244999."

Inspector Smith added: "Information will be treated with confidentiality."