Father denies using drain cleaner to try and kill daughter

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts man charged with trying to kill his sick 7-year-old daughter by poisoning her with drain cleaner has been held on $100,000 bail.

Christopher Conley pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Hampshire Superior Court to charges including attempted murder and assault and battery on a child.

Authorities allege Conley poured Liquid-Plumr into a tube in the child's belly that connects to the intestine because he wanted to end the chronically ill girl's pain. She underwent a seven-hour surgery in April to remove two-thirds of her small intestine and part of her bladder.

Prosecutors say the 32-year-old Conley may have been abusing his daughter for years because her medical issues improved when she was in foster care.

Conley's lawyer says his client "did not hurt his daughter" and statements he gave police were made under extreme stress. The girl remains hospitalized.