Boyfriend admits biting toddler

Doctors found a series of bruises and injuries on Joshua's body

A man accused of killing the two-year-old son of his girlfriend said he bit him on the night he died to check for signs of life, a court heard.

Joshua Jones was found dead at the home of Nichola Bowman, 24, and Wayne Davenport, 26, in Tilbury Place, Runcorn, in November 2007.

Mr Davenport is on trial for manslaughter at Chester Crown Court.

The prosecution alleged Mr Davenport subjected Joshua to weeks of 'systematic violence' before his death.

Mr Davenport denies killing the toddler. Both he and his partner Ms Bowman, have also denied causing or allowing Joshua's death.

Almost two weeks before he was killed, Joshua was taken to hospital with a double break to his left arm.

The only thing I'm guilty of is trying to save that little boy's life Wayne Davenport, at Chester Crown Court

The court previously heard doctors found bruises and marks on the child's body, including teeth marks matching Mr Davenport's dentures.

In evidence Mr Davenport said on the night Joshua died he had gone to check on him, after smoking cannabis, and realised something was wrong.

He added: "I pulled Joshua up onto his pillow, but his body was lifeless."

Mr Davenport then revealed he bit the toddler's elbow to see if he would respond to pain, he then called 999 and tried to perform CPR.

The court heard during this time Miss Bowman was out at her mother's house.

Mr Davenport said: "I've never touched that child other than to smack his hand.

"The only thing I'm guilty of is trying to save that little boy's life."

The case continues.