A young mother accused of assaulting her baby daughter told police she would never deliberately harm her, a Court heard.

During interviews after her arrest in February 1997, Sara Tathum told the investigating officers: "I would never hurt her - not on purpose.''

Tathum, 23, of Crossley Wood Road, Bingley, has pleaded not guilty to causing her daughter Amy grievous bodily harm with intent.

She and her partner, 32-year-old Gary Sebo, of the same address, have denied wilfully neglecting the child in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health.

Extracts from the police interviews were read to the jury on the third day of the trial at Bradford Crown Court.

The court has been told how the eight-month-old baby was found to have fractures to both legs when a doctor examined her at Airedale General Hospital. A professor in paediatric X-rays had stated that they were "classical fractures'' to be expected in non-accidental injuries associated with child abuse, said prosecutor Philip Standfast.

But during police questioning, Tathum said that on at least two occasions Amy had been found with her legs through the cot bars.

The trial continues.

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