The jury retires to consider its verdicts in the trial of a couple charged following the death of a County Durham toddler.
Michael Daymond is accused of murdering Maya Chappell when he violently shook her while he was looking after the two-year-old while her mother was at work,
Maya's mother, Dana Carr, was charged with child cruelty and allowing the death of a child after she died in September last year.
Teesside Crown Court heard how medical experts said Maya suffered significant injuries to her head, neck, and abdomen, moments before she collapsed while in the sole care of Daymond.
Toby Hedworth KC, representing Carr, gave his closing speech during this morning's session.
He said that Carr decided to give evidence, unlike Daymond, but she was 'no match for my learned friends' but she was prepared to answer their questions.
Mr Hedworth accepted that she might have said the wrong things or inappropriate things but added that she was just doing her best with the hand she was dealt.
Nicholas Lumley KC, representing Daymond, urged the jury to remember that his client had no history of violence or any want to fatally injure the County Durham toddler.
In his closing speech, he said: "A verdict of not guilty to murder would not be contrary to your promise to try the case on the evidence.
"On the other hand, you may think he may have had some explaining to do for manslaughter, although he denies any responsibility for anything.
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"He has no wish to be found guilty of anything but we can see how that might be a step too far. The verdict in his case may be guilty to manslaughter."
Daymond, formerly of Shotton Colliery, County Durham, has pleaded not guilty to murder and a second charge of cruelty to a child.
Twenty-four-year-old Carr, also formerly of Shotton Colliery, denies child cruelty and allowing the death of a child.
The trial continues.
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