Social worker 'saw girl's bruises'

Lauren Wright: Concern for her welfar

A court has heard that a six-year-old girl allegedly killed by her stepmother and father was examined by social workers less than two months before the child died.

Lauren Wright was found dead at her home in Welney, Norfolk, on 6 May, 2000.

Prosecutors say she had been struck so hard in the stomach that her digestive system had collapsed.

Tracey Wright, 31, and Craig Wright, 38, both of Welney, Norfolk, deny manslaughter and wilful neglect.

A member of staff at Norfolk County Council's social services department told a jury at Norwich Crown Court that an examination had found injuries believed to be "non-accidental".

Tracey Wright was told Lauren would need more tests

Medical examinations had been carried out on Lauren by the social services department in March 2000 after neighbours raised concerns about her welfare.

Social workers' assistant Charlotte Coates said she was present when a doctor examined Lauren and saw bruises on several parts of her body.

Ms Coates said the girl had bruises on her torso, arms, and on the back of her legs.

She said after the examination a social worker, Claire Mann, made it clear to Tracey Wright that the injuries were believed to be non-accidental.

Further checks

"She (Ms Mann) explained that the injuries that Lauren had sustained were what would be described as non-accidental injuries and she explained what was meant by that," said Ms Coates.

Ms Coates told the court Lauren was then left in Tracey Wright's care while arrangements for further checks were made.

Ms Coates said she had an appointment to see Tracey Wright on May 8 - two days after Lauren died.

The trial continues.