A man accused of murdering a 14-month-old baby has told a UK court he 'never harmed' the child. The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, made the claim in a statement to the court as his trial continues. The court heard that the baby had died in December 2022, and the defendant had been arrested and charged with his murder.
The defendant's statement to the court appears to contradict a previous police interview, in which he had denied any involvement in the child's death. However, during the police interview, the defendant had also made allegations of misconduct against the child's mother, saying she had been responsible for the baby's injuries.
The court has heard evidence from a number of witnesses, including medical professionals and family members of the accused. The prosecution has alleged that the defendant's claims of innocence are 'unbelievable' and that he had a history of violent behaviour.
The trial is ongoing and is expected to continue for several more days. A verdict is expected to be delivered in the coming weeks.
The case has raised concerns about the treatment of vulnerable individuals and the need for greater support for families affected by allegations of child abuse.