A teenager who bit an 11-month-old baby girl and subjected her to acts of cruelty is today facing up to the prospect of custody.

IPSWICH: A teenager who bit an 11-month-old baby girl and subjected her to acts of cruelty is today facing up to the prospect of custody.

Kegan McCarville, of Cardiff Avenue, Ipswich, pleaded guilty to a charge of cruelty against the baby girl when he appeared at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday.

The 19-year-old had pleaded guilty last month to another charge of causing the youngster actual bodily harm.

The offences took place between April 27 and May 2 this year when the baby was left with numerous injuries.

This included two bite marks on her shoulder and injuries to her chest.

There was also bruises on her body, including large marks on her back.

Witnesses told how McCarville went to great lengths to explain that he did not inflict the bruises.

But he was seen poking the baby girl away with his finger.

The youngster was also left with scratch marks to her forehead, although McCarville has denied causing these injuries.

After pleading guilty to the charge of cruelty, Judge David Goodin warned the defendant he faced a custodial sentence.

“The offences which you have pleaded guilty to are serious ones and may result in you going to a young offenders' institute and you losing your liberty,” he said.

“The decision will be made in due course in the New Year.

“To assist the judge in considering your attitude and your background and all the available sentencing options, the Probation Service will prepare a pre-sentence report.”

In requesting a pre-sentence report, Joanne Eley, representing McCarville, said: “He is a young man of 19 years of age but slightly younger than his years.”

McCarville was told that he will be sentenced during the week beginning Monday, January 4 and was released on unconditional bail.

He declined to comment when approached by The Evening Star.

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