A woman accused of murdering her three-year-old son was too unwell to give evidence on Tuesday, a jury was told.

Christina Robinson denies causing a fatal injury to her son Dwelaniyah by violently shaking him at their home in Bracken Court, Ushaw Moor, Durham, in November 2022.

The 30-year-old is accused of deliberately scalding him, causing excruciatingly painful burns to his legs and buttocks, and using a bamboo cane to hit him in the weeks before his death.

The married defendant, who is originally from Tamworth, Staffordshire, denies murder and a child cruelty charge.

Newcastle Crown Court has heard she claims she was allowed to chastise the little boy according to the teachings of the Bible.

Mr Justice Garnham told jurors on Tuesday: “The defendant is feeling unwell and is unable to give evidence this morning.

“I have agreed with the application of her counsel so she won’t start her evidence until tomorrow morning.”

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The judge said it is important that Robinson feels in the “best position” to set out her case.

He told the jury: “If she needs a day, she gets a day to get herself together.”

The trial was adjourned until Wednesday.