Toddler assault trial set for July

The man accused of seriously assaulting a Wairarapa toddler will stand trial next year.

Jason Mark Sutherland, 39, was charged after 2-year-old Caleb Skinner suffered serious head injuries at a Masterton home on March 3.

The toddler was left fighting for his life and had to be resuscitated by paramedics.

He was later transferred to Auckland's Starship Hospital before being discharged to a North Shore rehabilitation centre.

Caleb's mother, Joanne Smith, was at work when the alleged assault took place at the George St home she shared with Sutherland.

Sutherland, dressed in a black sweater and with heavy stubble on his face, appeared briefly before Judge Peter Hobbs in Wellington District Court yesterday.

He previously pleaded not guilty to one charge of injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to Caleb.

He has also pleaded not guilty to one charge of assaulting an 8-year-old, and one charge of breaching a protection order relating to the same child.

Defence lawyer Douglas Ewen indicated a trial date had been set for July 20, 2015.

Judge Hobbs remanded Sutherland in custody until September 15, when a pre-trial application will be heard.

Sutherland has been in custody since the alleged assault in March.

- APNZ