A social worker wept in court today as he described the injury to a four-year-old boy who later died.

John Pamely received a phone call telling how the boy had "massive bruising" on his face and had apparently given himself a "range of blows".

The injuries were seen just four days before the boy, John Smith, died from a brain haemorrhage.

The boy's adoptive parents, Simon and Michelle McWilliam, of Gardner Road, Fishersgate, Southwick, said he had thrown himself against a radiator because he was upset with the prospect of having a visit with his grandfather.

Mr Pamely told Lewes Crown Court this was odd because he had never discussed the visit with the boy. He told the other social worker to "take care, this might not be an accident".

Mr Pamely broke down in the witness box.

He did not make a visit to the boy's home that day and he said: "Looking back it looks like a big mistake".

He said he asked the social worker was he sure and his colleague replied: "I know what I'm doing, I'm experienced in child protection."

The court heard earlier how John Smith had died on Christmas Eve. He had 54 external injuries and four adult bite marks, the jury was told.

The McWilliams deny cruelty.

Earlier today Mr Pamely was asked for his reactions when he learned of the boy's death. He replied: "I was very upset. I was in a state of emotional shock."

Mr Pamely also told the court how another child being adopted by the McWilliams showed signs of bruising on the forehead and around one eye.

Camden Pratt, QC, prosecuting, asked whether he had questioned the child about the injury. He said he had not. He said he accepted the McWilliams' explanation that the child had self-harmed, and had copied how John Smith had been injuring himself.

The case continues.