A TEENAGER has told a jury how she heard the moment a baby at the centre of a murder trial was “dropped” by his father.

Winchester Crown Court also heard how the defendant 'accidentally bit' him on the nose.

The witness, who appeared in court behind a screen, described the 17-year-old defendant as “clumsy”, but added that he was “a good dad”.

A second defendant, the baby’s 19-year-old mother, is on trial accused of neglect. All three cannot be named for legal reasons.

The court heard that after a gathering, the three of them went back the defendants’ Southampton flat, and while the witness and the mother were outside having a cigarette, they heard “a thud”.

The teenager said they went back inside where the father was picking up the baby he had been changing. The jury heard there was blood on the baby’s face, but it was disputed whose it was.

Later, she said the father had been playing with the baby when he “managed to bite his nose”, although she admitted she did not directly see either incident.

The witness said the defendants had been bickering and shoving at the flat, and although she felt it was not violent, at one point a TV was pushed over and the father was told to get out. After he left, the teenager said she went to get help as she was concerned about the baby’s health.

The court heard earlier this week how the six-week-old boy died after suffering severe fractures, as well as suffering a bite mark to his nose.

Both defendants deny the charges. The trial continues.