A COUPLE have denied seriously harming a baby.

The baby’s mum, 24, and her boyfriend, 32, were originally charged with attempted rape after the child, aged 14 weeks, was taken to hospital with head and alleged sexual injuries.

However, following a case review by a medical expert, the couple have been both charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and causing or allowing serious harm to a child.

Both defendants, from Clacton, deny each charge.

The pair were granted bail by Judge Charles Gratwicke during Friday’s hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court, and it is the first time theywill be out from behind bars since August when they were first remanded in custody.

Under the mother’s bail conditions she is banned from entering Essex and must remain at her alternative address outside the county, which was not revealed in court, between 7pm and 7am each night.

The curfew will be electronically monitored, and she is only allowed into Essex to visit solicitors.

The man must remain at his address for 24-hours a day, except for visits to see his legal team, and his home detention will be electronically checked.

He is also banned from unsupervised contact with any child aged under 16.

A trial date has been set for May 6.

The baby was taken to hospital on August 10 and was on life-support for a week before her condition improved.

Neither defendant can be named as it could lead to the identification of the baby, and her identity is protected by a court order.