A FATHER accused of causing head and rib injuries to his baby has been cleared on three charges.

But the 31-year-old York man may face a retrial because the jury at York Crown Court was unable to reach a verdict on a fourth charge.

The jury took more than seven hours to reach its not guilty verdicts on three charges.

Two of the charges related to an incident when the prosecution alleged the baby’s ribs only were injured.

They were causing grievous bodily harm with intent and an alternative charge of causing grievous bodily harm. The father was acquitted of both.

The jury also acquitted the father of causing grievous bodily harm with intent on a later date when the prosecution alleged the baby’s head and ribs were injured.

But the jury members were unable to reach a verdict on an alternative charge of grievous bodily harm relating to the second date.

Judge Simon Hickey gave the prosecution 14 days to decide if the man will face a retrial on the fourth charge.

The man, whose identity is not being given to protect the baby’s identity, was released on bail with conditions that include having no contact with the baby.

He had denied all the charges.