A CESSNOCK man accused of shaking and assaulting his five-month-old daughter, causing her critical injuries, will face a trial in Newcastle District Court next year.
The 26-year-old man, who cannot be named because it would identify his young daughter, was represented by solicitor Mandy Hull when he appeared in Newcastle Local Court last week via audio visual link from Cessnock Correctional Centre.
The man, who in September had a charge of attempted murder dropped over the alleged domestic violence incident, was committed for trial on a charge of causing grievous bodily harm to person with intent.
The matter was adjourned until December when the man is expected to plead not guilty and get a trial date.
Police said they received reports on December 12 last year that a baby girl had been taken to Cessnock Hospital suffering critical injuries.
The girl was later taken to John Hunter Hospital for ongoing treatment.
The matter was referred to State Crime Command's Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad detectives who commenced an investigation and after extensive inquiries arrested the 26-year-old man at a home at Cessnock on February 17 this year.
