Tina McLeod denies repeatedly shaking the child

Tina McLeod told the High Court in Edinburgh that one-year-old Alexander Graham was the "most lovable, happy-go-lucky baby" she had ever looked after.

The 40-year-old, of Craigleith Hill Avenue, Edinburgh, also denied fatally injuring the toddler in her home in July 2001.

She is accused of repeatedly shaking and twisting the boy and striking his head against an unknown blunt object or surface.

Alexander died the following day when his parents agreed to his life support system being switched off.

Birthday present

Taking the witness stand for the first time during her trial, Mrs McLeod said she had cared for Alexander and his older sister since he was six months old.

She had given him a denim cap for his birthday just days before he died.

Mrs McLeod wept as she described Alex as one of the easiest babies she had ever minded.

Alexander Graham died in July 2001

She said he was "a happy wee boy, always smiling. I never had any problems with him at all".

Asked how she felt about Alexander, she replied: "I cared for him very much."

She said looking after four children, including two of her own, was never a problem.

She also told the court that she had decided to become a registered child minder after her second daughter was born with a hole in her heart.

Ms McLeod said that on the day of the alleged incident she had taken Alexander, his elder sister and her own two children to a park.

Lying on the floor

She said she left Alexander on the settee with a toy car after they returned home.

However, when she returned she found him lying on the floor with his hands around his ears.

"I think I heard a bump," said Ms McLeod.

Her younger daughter had cried out "mummy" and told her Alexander was on the floor.

All I can say is I swear I'm innocent Tina McLeod

Ms McLeod said the child's mouth was open and he appeared to her to be holding his breath.

She said she lifted Alexander and patted his back in an "instinctive reaction".

Ms McLeod said she knew something was wrong as he was "a bit floppy", so she cradled the toddler in her arms.

She said she was "panic-stricken" but denied shaking Alexander violently or viciously.

Ms McLeod said she had never harmed Alexander.

"I swear to God that's the honest truth. All I can say is I swear I'm innocent," she said.

The trial continues.