A footballer accused of having shaken a baby so violently he caused the child permanent brain damage today described finding the baby shaking and rapidly blinking on the day of the alleged incident.

Akande Rotimi Williams, 27, Nigerian-born and living in Mellieħa, has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of the 15-month-old child, who is now five years old and lives at Dar tal-Providenza following brain damage caused the incident.

Charges stem from an April 2013 incident, when the infant was rushed to hospital after Mr Williams allegedly found it stiff and unresponsive in its cot. Medics' suspicions were raised because the child had already been admitted to hospital with symptoms suggesting 'shaken baby syndrome' two weeks earlier. 

READ: Footballer stands trial for attempted murder of infant

Shaken baby syndrome, also known as abusive head trauma or whiplash trauma, is a preventable brain injury that destroys a child's brain cells and prevents his or her brain from getting enough oxygen. Complications include seizures, visual impairment, cerebral palsy, and cognitive impairment. 

Mr Williams today took the witness stand and told the court how he would care for the baby while its mother went to work at the Paradise Bay Hotel. 

The accused, who was in a relationship with the child's mother, said he had an excellent relationship with the child and would often take the baby out to the beach or playground. 

He told the court, presided over by Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi, how prior to the child's first hospital admission, he had found the child with what looked a full nose and mouth, and fearing he had choked on his food had slapped the baby's chest. 

Later on, he noticed the child's arms were stiff and teeth clenched. Mr Williams said he called the child's mother, who returned home and called an ambulance. 

Mr Williams said that on the second occasion, he had found the baby looking out of sorts and shaking after hearing it “snore” in an unusual manner. The child's arms were again stiff and he seemed to be blinking rapidly, the accused added.

Mr Williams said that he had turned the baby onto its side facing the wall, ran outside and used a neighbour’s phone to call the child’s mother.

Asked directly by the judge whether he had shaken the child, Mr Williams replied that he had not.

The trial by jury continues.

Lawyer Joe Ellis is counsel for the defence. Lawyers Justine Cilia and Elaine Mercieca are prosecuting.