A WOMAN burned a little boy's arm on an oven hot plate, a jury was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Sandra Roberts, 30, who was in charge of the youngster, claimed the wound was an impetigo infection, but a casualty doctor thought it was a burn.

A consultant paediatrician, called by the prosecution, said the wound had the typical appearance of a burn while a consultant dermatologist, who is to give evidence for the defence, said it was impetigo. Both based their conclusions on photographs taken after he was taken to hospital in January.

Roberts, of Knowles Street, Rishton, denies cruelty.

Doctor Paramjit Singh said he thought it was a second degree burn. The wound, which was clearing up, was dressed. He did not notice any impetigo on the child's face.

Consultant paediatrician, Doctor Yvette Oade, said the child's wound had the typical appearance of a burn.

Questioned by Michael Lavery, prosecuting, the consultant said on January 3, the wound was not treated with antibiotics, but by January 28, a GP's report stated that the lesion had healed. Impetigo would have spread and not healed without treatment.

(Proceeding)

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