A SIX-WEEK-OLD baby is critically ill in hospital after it was alleged his father caused him injury.

The father, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the child, appeared before Lancaster Magistrates court on Monday charged with wounding with intent on a baby.

The 22-year-old dad also appeared charged with ABH on his two-and-a-half stepson.

Philip Riley, prosecuting, said an ambulance was called in the early hours of June 22 and paramedics said that the baby seemed 'lifeless' with 'non-accidental injuries'.

He said the baby, which had been born seven weeks prematurely, had suffered abrasions and bruises. It was taken to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and later transferred to Pendlebury Children's Hospital in Manchester.

But Alan Reece, mitigating, told the court the baby had been unconscious and his client did all the things he had learned to resuscitate the baby before panicking.

He urged the court to bail the father-of-two, adding: "He can't cope with being locked up and not knowing how his son is doing. Locking him up denies him the right to go and see his dying son."

Mr Reece said the baby had been released from hospital with the dad, while its mum stayed in hospital.

The father, who has suffered from mental health and drink problems, was remanded in custody to appear before Preston Crown Court on October 7.

o Pendlebury Children's Hospital was unable to give the Citizen details of the infant's condition at the time of going to press.