Oct 24 - Mother On Trial For Cruelty Towards Young Daughter
The Supreme Court trial of a mother accused of causing numerous bruises found on her daughter, who was one year old at the time, started this morning. Reporting restrictions imposed by the court mean the media cannot name the defendant at present.
The defendant has pleaded not guilty to one count of cruelty to young persons in relation to an incident which allegedly took place in January 2015.
Prosecutor Carl Ramagge said the baby and her older sister were taken away from their mother by social services after the baby was found to have bruises all over her body.
An examination was carried out by a doctor and the report said the injuries could have been caused by “assault or significant negligence”.
The jury heard from the defendant’s sister-in-law who spotted the bruises on the baby while changing her nappy and from a social worker who was referred to the defendant’s house.
While giving evidence in court, the social worker said she had spotted the bruises on the baby and had noticed the defendant was getting anxious and agitated when she saw social workers in her house. When cross-examined by the defence counsel, the social worker said the bruises were consistent with force-feeding.
However, when asked where the bruises on the baby came from, the mother said they were as a result of several falls.
Puisne Judge Karen Ramagge Prescott is presiding over the case which continues tomorrow morning. The defendant is being represented by Simon Diable.
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