IPSWICH: A man accused of sexually assaulting a baby has denied he inflicted the severe injuries on the 16-month-old, a court has heard.

Byron Braybrook, of Maidenhall Approach took to the witness stand at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday where he denied causing the injuries to the baby girl.

The 21-year-old has denied wounding the child with intent, assault of a child by penetration and child cruelty.

The offences are alleged to have taken place on July 15 last year when Braybrook visited the child’s home.

When he noticed she had a “saggy and drenched” nappy he decided to change her.

He told the court it was as he removed her dirty nappy he noticed blood and that she was “very, very red in the face and uncomfortable”.

When asked twice by defence barrister Joanne Eley whether he had inflicted the injuries on the baby, Braybrook replied both times with, “no I did not”.

Earlier in the trial the court heard Dr Kevin O’Neill, a paediatrician at Ipswich Hospital, examined the 16-month old baby, describing her injuries as the worst he has seen in 18 years.

Samantha Leigh, prosecuting, told the court the child was examined under general anaesthetic and was found to have “severe blunt trauma” injury to her genitals.

The child’s wounds were sutured and Dr O’Neill told police that in 18 years he had not seen such severe injuries said Miss Leigh.

She said another doctor who examined the child said the injuries had not been caused accidentally but was unable to say what had been used to cause them.

The trial continues today.