Nanny fed nut allergy toddler a peanut butter sandwich, court told

A two-year-old boy fell unconscious after a nanny ignored his nut allergy and fed him a peanut butter sandwich, a court was told yesterday.

Michelle Brittain, 24, later boasted to other nannies about what she had done to the infant on his first day in her care, the jury was told.

In a separate incident the same Australian nanny allegedly pressed the hand of a one-year-old girl against a hot oven until it was burnt "red raw", Southwark Crown Court in London was told.

Ms Brittain, of East Sheen, Surrey, denies one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to the baby girl in October 1999, an alternative count of cruelty, and a further allegation of cruelty involving the boy. Neither child can be named for legal reasons.

In August 2000 Ms Brittain was looking after a boy who was suspected of having an allergy to nuts, the court was told. At a toddlers group the nanny is said to have ignored sandwiches prepared for the child and deliberately fed him one containing peanut butter.

Sallie Howes, for the prosecution, said the boy's skin became blotchy and lumpy. "He started struggling for breath and seemed to lose consciousness."

Ms Brittain allegedly explained his condition as a reaction to a cat. She then splashed water on his face and took him home. Ms Brittain told the boy's mother she had "no idea" what had happened, Miss Howes said.

The toddler was taken to hospital and treated with antihistamines. A consultant paediatrician later confirmed the child had a moderate to severe reaction to peanuts.

The earlier incident involving a year-old baby girl came to light when the mother warned other families about the nanny, the jury was told. On that occasion one of the baby's hands was deliberately pressed against an oven until she suffered a "full thickness" burn, said Miss Howes. An expert appearing for the defence will argue that the burn was not as severe as was made out.

The trial continues.