A MOTHER from Runcorn whose boyfriend allegedly killed her toddler son deceived the authorities about weeks of abuse he dished out to the child, a court has heard.

Joshua Jones was found dead at the home of Nichola Bowman and Wayne Davenport in Tilbury Place, Runcorn, in 2007. The two-year-old had sustained a bang to the head and died from brain swelling.

In hospital, medics discovered a variety of bruises and marks on his tiny body – including teeth marks matching Davenport’s dentures.

Almost two weeks before he was killed, Joshua was taken to hospital with a double break to his left arm.

Chester Crown Court heard how Bowman, 24, blamed the broken arm on her mother, Michelle Littlemore’s partner, John Deane, who lived close by.

Michael Chambers, QC, prosecuting, said: “When Nichola Bowman took Joshua home, she knew perfectly well what had been happening to him at the hands of the defendant.”

Davenport, 26, denies manslaughter and causing or allowing the boy’s death.

Bowman denies causing or allowing Joshua’s death which she denies.