A mum has gone on trial accused of causing grievous bodily harm to her eight-month-old baby daughter.

Amy Tathum, who was born in May 1996, was admitted as an emergency case to the paediatric unit at Airedale General Hospital after a doctor became concerned about injuries seen during an examination of her.

The baby's mother - 23-year-old Sara Tathum - had taken her to the doctor in February 1997 and when she was questioned about the injuries, she suggested they had happened while she was in her cot.

Prosecutor Philip Standfast told a jury at Bradford Crown Court that X-rays of the child revealed a number of serious injuries to her legs.

Amy had suffered fractures to both her legs and there was extensive bruising.

"Sara Tathum was asked by doctors what had happened and she said she had noticed some bruising over the past few days,'' said Mr Standfast.

Tathum, who has pleaded not guilty to a charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, told the doctors that on one occasion Amy had been found with her legs through the cot bars.

But Mr Standfast said there was nothing to suggest that the child's bones were prone to suffering such injuries and a consultant paediatrician's opinion was that they were caused by severe blows across the youngster's legs, accompanied by some twisting and pulling.

A professor in paediatric X-rays who reviewed the fractures stated that they were the "classical fractures'' to be expected in non-accidental injuries associated with child abuse. She said the very severe injuries must have caused the child great pain and that pain could not have been missed by any adult looking after the child at that time.

When Tathum, of Crossley Wood Road, Bingley, was questioned by police, she denied being responsible for any of the injuries.

"The only explanation Sara Tathum was able to offer was that Amy must have put her legs out of the cot,'' said Mr Standfast. "The Crown say such an incident as that could not have caused those injuries.''

Tathum's partner, 32-year-old Gary Sebo, who lives at the same address, was also questioned about the injuries and also denied any responsibility.

Both he and Tathum face an allegation of wilfully neglecting Amy in manner likely to cause her unnecessary suffering or injury to health. They have both denied that charge.

The trial continues.

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