This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/7662101.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Toddler's back 'broken by father' Toddler's back 'broken by father'
(10 minutes later)
A malnourished and dehydrated toddler died after her back was "snapped in two" by her father, a court has heard.A malnourished and dehydrated toddler died after her back was "snapped in two" by her father, a court has heard.
James Howson, 25, denies murdering 16-month-old Amy at the family house in Edlington, Doncaster, South Yorkshire. He also denies two counts of cruelty.James Howson, 25, denies murdering 16-month-old Amy at the family house in Edlington, Doncaster, South Yorkshire. He also denies two counts of cruelty.
It is alleged Mr Howson held his daughter over his knee and hit her so hard it broke her back, a jury at Leeds Crown Court heard.It is alleged Mr Howson held his daughter over his knee and hit her so hard it broke her back, a jury at Leeds Crown Court heard.
His partner Tina Hunt, 26, has admitted allowing the death of a child.His partner Tina Hunt, 26, has admitted allowing the death of a child.
Opening the trial, prosecutor Gary Burrell said the toddler was covered in fractures and bruises from a number of assaults.Opening the trial, prosecutor Gary Burrell said the toddler was covered in fractures and bruises from a number of assaults.
He told the court Amy had been "slapped and punched" in the months leading up to her death.He told the court Amy had been "slapped and punched" in the months leading up to her death.
The nature and extent of the injuries indicate the child must have been in extreme pain and in poor physical condition for a period of weeks prior to death Prosecutor Gary BurrellThe nature and extent of the injuries indicate the child must have been in extreme pain and in poor physical condition for a period of weeks prior to death Prosecutor Gary Burrell
On 23 December, 2007, paramedics were called to Nelson Road and arrived to find the child naked apart from a nappy on a sheet in the doorway to the living room.On 23 December, 2007, paramedics were called to Nelson Road and arrived to find the child naked apart from a nappy on a sheet in the doorway to the living room.
Mr Howson was trying to resuscitate the child and both parents were crying.Mr Howson was trying to resuscitate the child and both parents were crying.
Amy was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary, but died less than an hour later.Amy was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary, but died less than an hour later.
Dog blamed
The court was told Mr Howson had been looking after his daughter because her mother - his partner Tina Hunt - who at the time was 12 weeks pregnant, had morning sickness.The court was told Mr Howson had been looking after his daughter because her mother - his partner Tina Hunt - who at the time was 12 weeks pregnant, had morning sickness.
Dog blamed
He told police and paramedics Amy had fallen out of bed and hit her head. He said he fell asleep with the child in his arms and woke to find her unconscious.He told police and paramedics Amy had fallen out of bed and hit her head. He said he fell asleep with the child in his arms and woke to find her unconscious.
The jury was told Mr Howson had blamed her other injuries on the family's pet dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier, and other incidents around the home.The jury was told Mr Howson had blamed her other injuries on the family's pet dog, a Staffordshire bull terrier, and other incidents around the home.
Mr Burrell said: "The nature and extent of the injuries themselves indicate the child must have been in extreme pain and in poor physical condition for a period of weeks prior to death."Mr Burrell said: "The nature and extent of the injuries themselves indicate the child must have been in extreme pain and in poor physical condition for a period of weeks prior to death."
Pathologists gave the cause of death as the spinal injury along with a serious head injury.Pathologists gave the cause of death as the spinal injury along with a serious head injury.
Amy was also found to be "seriously under-nourished and dehydrated".Amy was also found to be "seriously under-nourished and dehydrated".
The court was told in interview, Mr Howson told police he was "unaware" of the child's injuries.The court was told in interview, Mr Howson told police he was "unaware" of the child's injuries.
Mr Burrell said it was "inconceivable" that anyone looking after the child would not have been aware of her pain and distress.Mr Burrell said it was "inconceivable" that anyone looking after the child would not have been aware of her pain and distress.
The trial continues.The trial continues.