A man who allegedly violently shook a baby in the second such incident within days clearly intended to kill or seriously injure the boy, a court heard today. 

Rotimi Williams Akande, a 27-year-old Nigerian footballer, is undergoing a trial by jury after having been accused of the attempted murder of 15-month old Maleek Opeyemi Olowoshile, his partner's son.

He is pleading not guilty, claiming that he had found the baby shaking and rapidly blinking on the day of the alleged incident.

READ: Footballer denies shaking baby as he takes the stand in attempted murder case

In closing arguments, prosecutor Elaine Mercieca explained that after a first incident where the baby was allegedly shaken violently, doctors and hospital staff had warned Mr Akande of dangerous consequences should there be a similar case.

Yet five days later, on April 15, 2013, the baby was admitted to hospital again and only urgent surgery saved his life. He however suffered severe brain injury, which doctors said was only compatible with violent shaking.   

Dr Mercieca said that in the second incident, the baby was shaken more violently than in the first and, in view of the previous warnings, the intention was clearly to kill of endangering the infant's life.

The baby was so seriously injured that he has since been cared for at Dar tal-Providenza.  

The trial continues. Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi is presiding. Dr Joe Ellis is defence counsel.