KEY POINTS:
A 23-year-old man charged with assaulting a baby now on life support at Auckland's Starship Hospital is to deny the accusation.
The Christchurch man, whose name is suppressed, appeared in court today charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to the 17-month-old.
He appeared briefly in the court dock and showed no emotion following his arrest late on Wednesday afternoon.
Judge Tony Couch agreed to suppress the names of the man and the child, and any details that could identify them, at least until the man's next appearance on November 16.
The man's lawyer Richard McGuire told Christchurch District Court there had been considerable media attention on the case and his client's wider family had not been advised of the charge against him.
His client would be denying the charge, Mr McGuire said.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Brent Register supported any suppression which would prevent the victim being identified.
Police have previously said the baby's family did not want her name made public.
The man was released on bail, on condition that he live at a set address, report weekly to police and not try to contact four people named in court. He is also not allowed to enter Auckland City Hospital.
The injured child was sent to Starship Hospital from Christchurch on October 26 after suffering serious head injuries.
She was initially treated at Christchurch Hospital after being taken by ambulance from a Christchurch house. Hospital staff contacted police about the injuries to the child.
Police have since described the baby's prognosis as poor, and have suggested she may soon be taken off life support because of the extent of her injuries.