Man, 29, sentenced today for stamping on toddler

Daniel Joyce, 29, had denied causing life-threatening injuries to the youngster during an incident at a house in Huddersfield last year.

However a jury at Bradford Crown Court yesterday convicted him of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to the child.

During Joyce’s trial, the complainant made legal history by becoming the youngest person to give evidence in a criminal court – at the age of just four. Judge Jonathan Rose was later told that since taking part in the hearing over a television link the boy had reverted back to showing signs of distress and “acting out” with toys.

Prosecutor Caroline Wigin revealed that the child, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had been left with a risk of developing abnormal tissue growths in his bowel as result of the surgery he underwent following the attack.

Miss Wigin also confirmed that the boy was expected to receive counselling in the future.