Forensic tests detected sperm cells in a nappy worn by a toddler who was allegedly molested by a man when she was looked after by her mother's friend, a court has been told.
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The man, 37, pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse with a child under 16 and committing an act of indecency in the presence of a child and has gone on trial in the ACT Supreme Court.
It's alleged the abuse took place one day in June 2013 when the girl, then aged two, was baby sat by the defendant's mother at the Canberra home they shared.
The child's mother reported the alleged molestation after the girl indicated in the car on the way home the defendant had touched her inappropriately.
Police spoke to the toddler and she was taken to hospital for a medical examination that night.
On Tuesday, a police forensic biologist who examined a disposable pull-up nappy the girl had worn that day gave evidence two areas had tested positive for semen and saliva.
She told the jury further tests on the nappy detected sperm cells and had given a weak positive result for saliva.
The forensic biologist also found DNA discovered on the nappy was eight septillion times more likely to belong the defendant than another person, which she said was "extremely strong support" it was linked to him.
But defence lawyer Paul Edmonds questioned whether that DNA could have been transferred to the girl's nappy from another item the man had contact with, such as towels, bedding or clothing.
The witness said it was possible small amounts could have been transferred in that way.
Under cross-examination from Mr Edmonds, the witness also said she couldn't rule out the DNA had come from the man's skin cells, but she believed it more likely came from sperm.
A police witness who gave evidence said the defendant had denied the allegations against him in full during an early interview with officers.
The trial continues before Chief Justice Helen Murrell.
