A man with multiple health conditions has been refused bail after murdering a child on the New South Wales Mid North Coast.

The 38-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested on October 29 in Bankstown, Sydney, and charged with the murder of a child in Coffs Harbor two years ago.

Police allege the man murdered a two-year-old child, who was found unresponsive at a home in Coffs Harbor on May 23, 2022.

The child was flown to John Hunter Hospital but died two days later.

A coronial inquest into the child’s death began in September but was suspended after a judge found there was enough evidence to charge the accused with murder.

He has also been charged with sexual intercourse in the home without consent.

“A very bad individual”

The court was temporarily closed as the defendant applied for a restraining order that would prevent media coverage of the case.

Defense barrister James Barnett said his client’s “serious health problems” led to him being taken to hospital shortly after he was arrested in October after suffering a seizure in custody.

“He had a seizure in the cells downstairs and was taken to a general hospital,” he said.

“He basically can’t use one side of his body and is unfortunately a very poor individual.

Bail was refused despite medical concerns

Barnett argued that his client did not receive the medical treatment he needed while in prison and said his client’s condition meant he would not be able to defend himself if attacked by another inmate.

Prosecutor Sergeant Jack Chaffey said the man was charged with “the most serious offenses the justice system would see”.

Magistrate Theresa Hamilton refused the bail application, noting that the risk of the accused not appearing was too high due to the seriousness of both charges.

The case will return to Coffs Harbor Local Court in January.