A County Durham couple are accused of causing or allowing a child to suffer serious injuries after a youngster suffered multiple fractures.

It was discovered that the child had suffered a fractured skull, a broken collar bone, a spinal injury, and a broken arm before they were treated for a broken leg at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Alex and Gemma Richardson deny deliberately causing any of the injuries that the child suffered.

Teesside Crown Court heard how medics called the police when concerns were raised about the injuries when a series of X-rays and CT scans were carried out.

Anthony Pettengell, prosecuting, said Mrs Richardson was overheard on her mobile phone telling someone that “they (medical staff) know” about the injuries and the alarm was raised.

He said the 31-year-old took the child to hospital claiming they had hurt their leg when turning over and an X-ray confirmed they had suffered a broken thigh bone.

The court heard how the defendant told medical staff at the hospital that the child had been involved in a near-miss accident which had resulted in bruising to their shoulder.

Mr Pettengell said: “While she was on her mobile phone, she was overheard saying “they know”.

“She started crying and told a health care assistant that she had done nothing wrong.”

Dr Caren Landes, a consultant paediatric radiologist, told jurors that none of the injuries were consistent with day-to-day activities of a child and showed signs on ‘inflicted’ injuries.

The medical expert confirmed that the leg fracture was consistent with a ‘twisting motion’ and not an impact.

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Dr Landes said she was unable to date the skull fracture injury due to the nature of it but was able to confirm that there were signs of new bone formation on the child’s fractured forearm.

The pair, from Westwood View, Sacriston, County Durham, are both charged with having caused or allowed a child to suffer serious physical harm.

Alex Richardson, 29, is also charged with a section 18 offence - unlawfully and maliciously caused grievous bodily harm to a child with intent to do them grievous bodily harm.

They deny all charges and the trial continues.