THE former partner of a man accused of murdering a baby girl has told a court how he 'could flip at any moment'.

Brandon Mark Heath denies causing the injuries that led to the death of a 22-month-old baby girl in Northwich on August 31, 2020.

Taking to the stand to give evidence as a witness at his trial at Chester Crown Court, Heath's ex-partner of nearly three years described their relationship.

She told the court how Heath could be abusive to her, both verbally and physically, and how on three occasions she reported incidents to the police.

"It was great at first," she said. "He got on with my friends and family.

"It was brilliant, in the beginning. But he became agressive and just not a very nice person."

After reporting several incidents to the police, the now 22-year-old admitted to three charges at the magistrates court in late 2017, including one of criminal damage and two of battery (the lowest form of assault).

"He would change in an instant," his ex went on to say.

"I could just say something he wouldn't agree with and would just flip. Both verbally and physically.

Northwich Guardian: Brandon Heath (Andrew Price/View Finder Pictures)Brandon Heath (Andrew Price/View Finder Pictures)

"He'd punch me in the arms, spit at me and throw things at me.

"But he never hit me in the face. He could also be the nicest person I know."

However, under cross-examination from Heath's barrister, Julia Smart QC, his ex-partner did admit how the pair were 'as bad as each other'.

Ms Smart said: "You accept that you weren't without blame and you would say things to deliberately wind him up.

"You would give as good as you got. It was six of one and half a dozen of the other."

Ms Smart also revealed to the court how the woman remained in contact with Heath, even after he was being held on remand for the baby girl's murder.

"I still loved him," the woman added. "I didn't believe he was capable of killing somebody.

"It was the type of situation where you don't know how to live with the person or without them."

Under further cross-examination, the former partner denied she was trying to rekindle the relationship, but instead how she was merely keeping in touch with him because she thought he was innocent.

The trial continues.