Baby murder accused 'was beaten'

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A mother accused of murdering her baby daughter in Cambridgeshire told jurors her partner had beaten her when she was pregnant.

Kelly Inman, 22, of Whittlesey, denies murdering seven-week-old Leeya Akinrele in December 2006.

Ipswich Crown Court has heard the baby suffered a skull fracture and was bitten on her face and hands.

Giving evidence, Ms Inman said she had a violent relationship with Olusola Akinrele, 34, who also denies murder.

'Hit in stomach'

Inman, who has also pleaded not guilty to causing Leeya's death, broke down as she described the first time she was assaulted by Mr Akinrele.

She told the court he had thrown her off a bed, causing her to fall on to a radiator and hurt her arm.

Ms Inman said he was violent to her "so many times" she could not recall them all.

Asked by her lawyer Sallie Bennett-Jenkins QC if Mr Akinrele stopped the assaults when she became pregnant, Ms Inman said he did not, and became more violent "towards the later stages".

She told jurors that on one occasion she contacted her GP and said she had been mugged in Peterborough and was concerned for the welfare of her baby.

Brain damage

"On that occasion he hit me directly in my stomach," she said.

Jurors were told shop assistant Ms Inman left school when she was 14 because she was being bullied and became "besotted" with Mr Akinrele when she was 16.

Leeya was born on 7 November, 2006. On December 18 of that year paramedics were called to the family home, where she was apparently lifeless.

She died 12 days later when a hospital life-support machine was turned off after doctors decided that there was no prospect of recovery.

Prosecutors said evidence showed Leeya had been repeatedly assaulted and had suffered brain damage plus injuries including a fractured femur, ribs and fingers.

Mr Akinrele also denies causing or allowing Leeya's death.

The trial continues.