A man and woman from Maidstone have appeared in court after a toddler was allegedly shot with a BB gun.

A hearing today heard the pair were "messing around" in a living room with two others in October.

Jordan Towner, 24 and Tamara Towner, 20, both denied a charge of assaulting a young person to cause unnecessary suffering when they appeared at Maidstone Magistrates Court.

Prosecutor Neil Sweeney said: "It appears the parties involved were shooting each other, messing around with the gun.

"Jordan shot the gun through the living room, causing the BB to hit a window, bounce off and strike the baby."

Chairman of the bench, Steven Rogers, heard the child cried but suffered no injuries.

Both Tamara and Jordan Towner left the property shortly after.

Mr Towner is alleged to have said: "I was aiming for the nappy."

It is alleged the youngster was shot a second time on a separate occasion.

"It appears the parties involved were shooting each other, messing around with the gun" -Prosecutor Neil Sweeney

Both Jordan Towner, of Springwood Road, Barming, and Tamara Towner of York Road, Maidstone were arrested at a later date.

Upon arrest, Mr Towner is alleged to have said: "It's about the BB gun isn't it?"

Mr Sweeney said: "Officers noted the property to be in an unkept state, with dog urine and faeces on the floor.

"A pile of dirty nappies was found in Tamara's room."

Both will appear at Maidstone Crown Court for trial on June 21.