Suspect's stepson died with 160 bruises

A MAN faced court in Melbourne today charged with the murder of his five-year old stepson, who was found dead with 160 bruises on his body after beatings so severe they ruptured the little boy's liver.

A MAN faced court in Melbourne today charged with the murder of his five-year old stepson, who was found dead with 160 bruises on his body after beatings so severe they ruptured the little boy's liver.

Stuart John McMaster, 30, allegedly told police "I can't control my head and I don't know what I do," after five-year-old Cody Hutchings was found dead, with severe injuries including bruises to his face, lips, ears, chest, abdomen and penis.

Mr McMaster faced the Victorian Supreme Court today charged with Cody's murder. He is also charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious injury to Cody's mother, Belinda McMaster. Mr McMaster has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecutor Colin Hillman SC told a jury this morning that Mr McMaster was the "disciplinarian" of the family, and would often beat Cody - who had a mild mental retardation - with a belt.

However, the severity of the little boy's injuries were such that only intense blunt force, such as that caused by a fist, knee or by kicking, could have caused them, Mr Hillman said.

Police would allege Mr McMaster held a "continuing animosity" towards Cody, Mr Hillman said. The court heard Cody's liver had been ruptured during the beatings, along with deep abdominal tissue that is normally very resilient.

Ambulance officers called to the scene after Cody collapsed said the little boy had black eyes, bruising to his cheekbone and temple, and multiple bruises to his chest and abdomen. The court heard parts of the family's bathroom and toilet were stained with blood.

Cody's mother wanted to take her son to the doctor after the beatings, Mr Hillman said, but was persuaded not to do so by the accused man. Mr McMaster tried to prevent Ms McMaster carrying her son, who was stumbling on his feet, to his bedroom after one of the beatings, the court heard, saying "make him walk". Mr McMaster then returned to the bedroom and beat the boy again, Mr Hillman said.

The trial before Justice David Harper continues.