The lawyer for a Tauranga mother charged with child neglect says her client's actions didn't follow the pattern of behaviour for someone who was assaulting her child.
Twenty-five-year-old Bronwyn Williams and 27-year-old Matthew Gray are accused of repeatedly assaulting Williams' daughter between February and April last year, and/or failing to obtain medical care in a timely way.
The week-long trial at Tauranga District Court has centred on bruises that appeared on the toddler during that time, which the Crown says were the result of non-accidental injury.
In summing up, Crown lawyer Greg Hollister-Jones said the only credible narrative was assault.
"Children don't get the number and location of bruises from normal childhood play activities. She's got too many bruises in the 'wrong' places."
The court heard that in March last year, Williams took her daughter to the family doctor, who noted extensive bruising to her back and arms. She was referred for a blood test, but the Crown says this didn't take place until two weeks later.
It is also claimed Williams delayed taking the child to the doctor after a black eye appeared.
In the following weeks, the toddler was admitted to hospital twice with bruising, with no medical explanation for their cause.
Medical professionals reported her as having a heightened level of anxiety.
Crown lawyer Greg Hollister Jones claims Williams, who admitted using drugs, was responsible for the assaults during the first part of the alleged offending period, when he says she was rundown, stressed, sleep-deprived and "desperate for methamphetamine".
But he says in the latter part, the responsibilities changed, and Gray was often left in charge of the children, particularly in the evenings and overnight, while Williams was out. He says text messages show he resented the situation.
In her closing arguments, Williams' lawyer, Rebecca Webby, asked the jury why her client voluntarily took her child to see doctors if there was a risk she could be reported to CYF.
She says Williams was open and upfront about the child's bruises and diligently followed instructions of doctors and social workers.
Gray's lawyer, Nicholas Dutch, said the jury has heard no evidence his client has done anything wrong, describing the case as a witch hunt against him.
"He provided financially and emotionally for the child. He's chosen to step up, and now he's on trial because he's done that."
The judge is due to sum up tomorrow morning.
Newshub.
