The eyes of a child who died six years after he was allegedly shaken by his father showed evidence of 'historic' damage, a court has heard.

Baylee Varley was less than a month old when he sustained 'dreadful' injuries, including irreparable brain damage, injuries to his retinas which effectively left him blind and rib fractures.

A post-mortem examination carried out following Baylee's death in March last year indicated the cause of death was long-term complications with a head injury suffered by Baylee in February 2008.

Kevin Craig Toye, 28, of St Nicholas Road, Great Yarmouth, has gone on trial accused of manslaughter.

Giving evidence yesterday, Dr John McCarthy, a consultant pathologist, had conducted examinations of Baylee's eyes following his death.

He told the court he found the optic nerve had been 'withered' with the damage of a 'historic' nature.

He said Baylee's eyes showed historic features of 'devastating ocular trauma' which was consistent with movement 'head trauma'.

Toye has denied manslaughter.

The trial continues.