A FATHER has denied murdering his six-week old son.

Shakeel Hussain, aged 25, of Balcary Grove, Heaton, pleaded not guilty to killing Mohammed Ismail on January 5 when he appeared at Manchester Crown Court yesterday.

He also denies a charge of causing or allowing the death of a child.

In a separate court appearance, the child’s mother, Rabeel Malik, aged 22, had a charge of causing or allowing the death of a child dropped and walked free from court after Judge Andrew Gilbart said there was insufficient evidence.

Hussain’s trial is due to start on January 7 and could last for up to three weeks.