Mother denies daughter sex attack

A mother has gone on trial accused of sexually assaulting her two-and-a-half year-old daughter.

The 28-year-old from County Antrim cannot be identified in order to protect the child.

She is also charged with wounding her daughter with intent and child cruelty, but denies all three charges against her.

A senior medic told Belfast Crown Court that the girl's injuries were consistent with a sexual assault.

A consultant paediatrician at the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children who examined the child said it was "a case of non-accidental injuries."

The jury has already been told that no other adult apart from the girl's mother had been in contact with her during the time the doctors believe the incident occurred.

A doctor of more than 20 years, who is also a forensic medical officer, told the court: "This was a severe injury which would have caused significant pain (to the girl).

"She would have screamed and cried at the time of the assault and possibly for some time afterwards."

The incident is alleged to have taken place in October 2006.