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A man accused of assaulting a baby, leaving her with life-threatening head injuries, is appealing to the High Court to try to keep his name secret.
The 23-year-old yesterday made his second appearance in the Christchurch District Court on the charge of wounding the 17-month-old daughter of his partner with intent to cause her grievous bodily harm.
The child is making small improvements after being taken off life support in Auckland's Starship, but could still die or have permanent brain damage.
The lawyer for the accused, Richard McGuire, asked the court yesterday to extend the name suppression for his client on grounds that were also suppressed.
Judge John Bisphan was not convinced, and refused to continue the suppression.
Mr McGuire immediately indicated his intention to appeal, and the man's name cannot be made public until a High Court appeal is heard.
The accused was freed on bail. He sought a change in his bail conditions so he could see his partner, but the judge refused.
Inquiry head Detective Senior Sergeant John Rae said the child could still die, but over time she was making slight progress.
"She seems to be focusing a bit that she wasn't before, and has a bit more co-ordination in her limb movement than before. But she still has swelling of the brain."
She had been able to breathe on her own since being taken off life support last week, Mr Rae said. She could be left with permanent brain damage.
The baby's injuries allegedly occurred while she was with her mother visiting the accused's Christchurch home on October 25.
She was taken to Christchurch Hospital by ambulance and had brain surgery before being flown to the Starship for further care.
Hospital staff contacted police about the injuries.
The case goes next to a hearing in February.
