A man accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to a month-old baby is to stand trial in the new year.

Nathan Rawling, of St Gregory’s Crescent, Gravesend, denied the charge when he appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today.

The baby, who cannot be identified, suffered serious injuries on December 1.

Judge Michael Carroll said the case would be tried by a High Court judge on January 14. The trial is expected to last about three weeks.

Judge Carroll described it as "an extremely serious case of its type".

Rawling, 35 and who works for Kent County Council, had his conditional bail continued.