Baby critically ill after 'assault': Wolverhampton pair appear in court
Two people appeared in court today after a baby was left in a critical condition in hospital following an alleged assault in Wolverhampton.
The youngster was taken to New Cross Hospital in cardiac arrest and later transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital due to the seriousness of its condition.
A man and a woman, aged 21 and 18 respectively, appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court today charged with causing grievous bodily harm.
They have also been charged with engaging in sexual activity with the baby and causing or allowing a child to suffer serious physical harm.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in the dock first and spoke in muttered tones only to confirm his identity. As the charges were read to him he broke down in tears.
Prosecuting, Miss Kelly Crowe, said the baby was admitted to New Cross Hospital last Saturday, October 24.
She explained the youngster was then transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital where it was found to have multiple injuries.
The man was remanded in custody and will next appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on February 12.
The woman, who also cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in the dock visibly distressed and crying. A bail hearing was taking place for her on Thursday afternoon.
West Midlands Police said both the man and woman who are both from Wolverhampton were arrested on Monday.
Two other women, aged 46 and 32, were also arrested on suspicion of assault and have been released on police bail.
