Toddler bashing case declared mistrial

One day after it began, the jury trial of a 23-year-old man charged with injuring a toddler was declared a mistrial in Christchurch District Court this morning.

The name of the man and the family involved have been suppressed, and today Judge Brian Callaghan has also suppressed the reason for the mistrial, the Court News website reported.

The man pleaded not guilty to alternative charges of intentionally or recklessly causing grievous bodily harm to the 17-month-old girl.

The crown had been planning to call evidence from 21 witnesses at the week-long trial. Its case was that the child had been shaken or slammed against a padded surface such as a bed headboard.

The defence was going to say the injury resulted from an accidental fall.

The man was remanded on bail to December 18 so that a pre-trial conference session can set a date for a new trial.

- NZPA