Jury told of stamping on toddler’s stomach

A TODDLER from Huddersfield was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries after allegedly being stamped on, a jury heard.

The young boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had to undergo surgery at Leeds General Infirmary after he was found to have suffered tears in his bowel.

Caroline Wigin, prosecuting, told Bradford Crown Court yesterday that it was the Crown’s case that Daniel Joyce, 29, inflicted the injuries on the child and intended to cause him serious harm.

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“The method which the Crown say was used by Daniel Joyce was that he stamped on the stomach of this child at a time shortly before the ambulance was called,” she said.

Joyce, of Bankfield Road, Longroyd Bridge, Huddersfield, denies a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to the boy and an alternative allegation of causing grievous bodily harm.

Miss Wigin said the boy was seen by a witness the night before and was “his normal chatty self”, but the next morning Joyce raised the alarm when the toddler appeared pale and floppy.

The child was taken to Calderdale Royal Hospital where he was admitted with a fast heart rate and a weak pulse.

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The youngster had extensive bruising to his back and his abdomen was extremely tender.

Miss Wigin alleged the boy also had injuries to the side of his mouth and left ear which may have been caused by Joyce putting his hand over the boy’s mouth.

The child was later transferred to Leeds General Infirmary where he was operated on to repair the damage in the bowel and to drain off fluid.

Miss Wigin told the court that considerable force would have been needed to cause the injuries.

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A paediatric surgeon later indicated that in his view the injuries could have been caused by a stamp on the stomach.

A few weeks after the alleged assault, the young boy was asked what had happened and he said that “Danny” had stamped on his tummy.

The trial continues.