A couple today denied causing the death of a baby who died of a “catastrophic” head injury.

Four-month-old Eli Cox suffered fatal injuries at a house in Lapwing Close, Minster on April 27.

Danny Shepherd, 25, and Katherine Cox, 32, entered pleas when they appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

The couple, of Millfield Road, Faversham, denied causing or allowing the death of a child between April 12 and 28 and causing or allowing physical harm to a child.

They also denied possessing the Class B drug amphetamine on April 14.

A previous hearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court was told the baby suffered several injuries, including to the brain, over a 10-week period.

The baby had 28 fractures to 19 bones and was alleged to have been exposed to amphetamine and cocaine.

The child had a cardiac arrest and was placed on life support, but died later in hospital.

Shepherd and Cox are due to stand trial before a High Court judge on July 3 next year.

Bail conditions include residence, not contacting witnesses and others and prohibitions on going to various places.

Judge Carey said it was likely there would be a further hearing before the trial.