A man has been charged in relation to a Wairarapa baby who was critically injured in July.

A 22-year-old man was arrested in Hawke’s Bay yesterday and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and contravening a protection order.

He appeared in the Hastings District Court this afternoon and was remanded in custody by consent to a court appearance in Masterton on September 4.

The man was brought in from the cells wearing a black top and did not say anything during his brief appearance before a community magistrate.

He was granted interim name suppression.

The baby was taken to Masterton Hospital with critical injuries on July 25, and was shortly afterwards flown to Starship children’s hospital in Auckland for treatment.

Detective Inspector Haley Ryan said nothing would undo the awful, unnecessary act of violence towards a defenceless baby.

“We hope that these charges can bring a small amount of closure to the baby’s family and loved ones.”

The arrest in the Masterton case came just days after a 23-year-old man was charged with injuring a 3-month-old baby in Hutt Valley.

Wellington Police’s Child Protection Team arrested the 23-year-old man on July 31, a month and a half after the girl’s injuries, which included a broken arm, were discovered.

Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Wescott said police were notified about the case when the baby was admitted to the hospital on June 14.

“These injuries were unusual for a child so young, and an examination at the hospital identified multiple fractures,” he said.

He earlier said she had a broken arm, which was unusual for a baby that age.

Police immediately launched an investigation, leading to the man’s arrest.

“He has been charged with four counts of assaulting a child, relating to the more minor injuries the baby sustained.”

The man is due to appear in the Hutt Valley District Court on August 28.

Ryan said police will continue to relentlessly pursue anyone who commits these heinous acts on vulnerable people.

“These charges represent our commitment to holding violent criminals to account and getting justice for the victims and their loved ones.”