A 22-YEAR-OLD man is on trial accused of murdering a baby girl in Northwich by causing her a ‘catastrophic’ brain injury.

Brandon Mark Heath, of HMP Altcourse, appeared in Chester Crown Court on Monday, February 7, charged with killing a 22-month-old baby girl.

He has pleaded not guilty and denies causing her any injury.

Andrew O’Byrne and Miles Wilson appeared on behalf of the prosecution as the jury was sworn in on the first day of the trial.

Mr O’Byrne explained how on August 31, 2020, at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, machines providing life support to the little girl were switched off.

The court heard how she had undergone neurosurgery after suffering a serious brain injury and there was ‘no real prospect of survival’.

The prosecution said this was ‘as a result of violence’ and could not have been an accident.

Chester Crown Court heard how in May 2020, the child’s mum started a relationship with Heath, who often stayed at her home in Northwich.

On the morning of August 30, she was not at home.

During this time, at 9.41am, North West Ambulance Service received a call from Heath – the only adult in the home at the time – saying the child had knocked herself out.

Mr O’Byrne told the jury when crews arrived, the child was struggling to breathe and Heath’s story as to what had happened changed several times and was inconsistent.

An air ambulance was called and the child had a CT scan which revealed a ‘catastrophic’ brain injury.

She had emergency neurosurgery and was placed on a ventilator, but this was switched off the following day due to her condition.

The prosecution say Heath is guilty of her murder.

He has pleaded not guilty to the offence.

The trial continues.