A SURGEON who operated on a Huddersfield toddler after he suffered life-threatening injuries to his bowel has told a jury that they could not have been caused accidentally.

Paediatric surgeon Ian Sugarman told Bradford Crown Court yesterday how he had to repair damaged areas of the young boy’s small and large bowel and remove a twisted section which had become obstructed.

He carried out the major operation at Leeds General Infirmary last year.

The prosecution alleged that the youngster, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had been stamped on the stomach by 29-year-old Daniel Joyce, shortly before being taken to hospital by ambulance.

Joyce, of Bankfield Road, Longroyd Bridge, has denied causing grievous bodily harm to the child with intent and an alternative allegation of causing grievous bodily harm.

Mr Sugarman gave detailed evidence to the jury about the child’s internal injuries and told the court that they were consistent with being stamped on.

The surgeon said it would have required a “severe” degree of force to cause the tears and damage to bowel.

He said they were acceleration/deceleration type injuries, similar to those seen in road traffic accidents.