Baby 'hit with force'

A baby whose skull was allegedly fractured by a nurse who worked at Great Ormond Street children's hospital was probably struck against a hard surface with some force, a court was told yesterday.

Dr Jane Collins, a consultant neurologist, told Snaresbrook Crown Court she could not accept a suggestion from the nurse - Richard Coleman, 29, of Ilford, east London - that the baby may have been hurt by a toddler dropping her. A further suggestion that she suffered the skull fractures when he placed his hand on her head to stop her crying - was 'incredible'.

Mr Coleman denies causing the girl grievous bodily harm at a private address in September last year. He also denies causing grievous bodily harm to a baby who suffered a broken arm at Great Ormond Street.

The case continues today.