Baby died 'at hands of boyfriend'

An 11-month-old girl died as a result of an injury inflicted by her mother's boyfriend, a court heard.

The 17-year-old struck baby Ruby Spink, who died from a severe blunt force injury to the head in September 2007, prosecutors told Norwich Crown Court.

The youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denies murder.

Laura Spink, 18, of Salisbury Road, Great Yarmouth, who denied causing or allowing her daughter's death, had earlier admitted cruelty, jurors heard.

Ruby died in hospital on 17 September. A post-mortem examination revealed she died form head injuries.

The only person in that room with Ruby at the time was the youth Christopher Morgan, prosecutor

Christopher Morgan, prosecuting, told the court that Ms Spink, who was pregnant with her boyfriend's baby at the time Ruby died, had admitted wilfully neglecting Ruby, causing her unnecessary suffering.

Mr Morgan said Ms Spink had earlier denied causing or allowing the death of her baby by failing to take steps to protect her, and the offence would remain on file.

"The Crown say that injury must have been caused by a direct blow to the head or by the head coming into contact with something with an unyielding surface," Mr Morgan told jurors.

"The only person in that room with Ruby at the time was the youth."

An explanation was given by the defendant that Ruby had choked on chocolate cake, he said.

Ruby was found to have significant fractures of her ribs and legs which were in the process of healing and occurred 21 days before her death, Mr Morgan told the court.

He added that there was so much concern about Ruby's welfare that on 10 September there was a child protection conference, to which the youth was invited, but did not attend.

As a consequence, a written agreement was signed by Ms Spink saying she would be the sole carer of Ruby.

"This condition was ignored on the 16 September," Mr Morgan added.

The trial continues.