A woman has denied attempting to murder a child, cruelty to a person under 16 and common assault.

Linda King, of Grenville Close, Meopham, is alleged to have committed the offences all on the same child on October 3 last year.

The 40-year-old care home worker wept while entering the pleas and after hearing that the earliest date for her trial was May 8.

Judge Jeremy Carey, at Maidstone Crown Court, said he would like the case to be heard earlier if possible.

King was remanded in custody.