Baby 'suffered bites and bruises'

The case was heard at Belfast Magistrate's Court on Saturday

A six-month-old baby suffered "horrific" injuries including bite marks and bruises, a court has heard.

The allegation was made as a man was charged with four offences including grievous bodily harm with intent on the baby and aggravated assault.

The north Belfast man was also charged with false imprisonment of the baby's mother and threats to kill the baby on 23 September.

He spoke only to confirm the charges and was remanded in custody.

The man cannot be identified to protect his alleged victims.

A detective told Belfast Magistrate's Court on Saturday that the allegations came to light when the baby was returned to his foster parents with bruising and bite marks.

The child was admitted to hospital for treatment before being returned to his foster carers.

The detective said the baby's 18-year-old mother had already appeared in court and been remanded in custody on charges of child cruelty and causing grievous bodily harm.

District Judge Amanda Henderson refused the bail application, adding: "I share police' concerns on the grounds of potential witness interference."