Tina McLeod denies the charges

Before sending the jury out, temporary judge Roderick Macdonald QC said the death of Alexander Graham while in Tina McLeod's care was "a tragic event, whatever it was that led to his death".

Council-registered child minder Mrs McLeod, 40, has denied murdering Alexander at her home in Craigleith Hill Avenue, Edinburgh, on 26 July, 2001.

At the city's High Court, Mr Macdonald acknowledged that the trial had been "emotionally charged" but said the jury must remain objective.

In all the evidence, there was not a single hint... as to why this woman would murder the happy, easy, loveable child that was in her care Defence Advocate Ruth Anderson

In its closing speech, the prosecution said there was "no doubt" the child minder was guilty.

But the defence argued that Mrs McLeod had no reason to harm the boy and said medical opinion was divided over what caused his injuries.

For the prosecution, Advocate Depute Gerald Hanretty, QC, said Mrs McLeod allegedly asked hospital staff: "Do you think I could have shaken him too hard?"

"There's no question but that the accused killed Alexander, there's no doubt," he told the jury.

"As unpalatable as that may be, as unpleasant to think of as that may be, that's my submission."

Defence Advocate Ruth Anderson QC said Mrs McLeod had no reason to harm Alexander and that the prosecution relied entirely on medical evidence.

She said: "In all the evidence, there was not a single hint... as to why this woman would murder the happy, easy, loveable child that was in her care."