Jury retires in baby death case

Ruby Spink died last September from a blow to the head

The jury in the case of a youth accused of murdering an 11-month-old baby who died in a hostel in Great Yarmouth has retired to consider its verdict.

A post-mortem examination showed Ruby Spink died from a head injury in September 2007.

Norwich Crown Court has heard that her mother, Laura Spink, 18, who lived with the baby, has admitted cruelty.

Her 17-year-old boyfriend, who cannot be named for legal reasons, denies a charge of murder.

The youth told the jury he was spinning Ruby around when her head hit the wall.

He said he had put her in the cot and told her mother she had choked on some cake because he was scared of losing his girlfriend.

Summing up, Judge Peter Jacobs told the jury: "The care Ruby received was wholly inadequate.

"Her life ended in a particularly dreadful way. Her mother and boyfriend were in many ways totally irresponsible individuals.

"They resented Ruby, called her racist names...and fed her chips and chocolate at an absurdly early age."