A man and woman have denied performing genital mutilation on a three-year-old girl and possession of animal porn.
The 42-year-old Ghanian man and 36-year-old Ugandan woman from east London were accused of performing the practice on the toddler on August 28 last year.
The pair, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were also found with pornographic images and videos involving horses, dogs, snakes and children, Thames Magistrates court heard.
The man entered not guilty pleas to five counts put against him, including FGM and failing to protect a girl from genital mutilation.
The woman was weeping in the dock and spoke only to confirm her name, address, and to also enter not guilty pleas to similar charges.
Prosecutor Paul Okabu said: This is a serious matter that is highly unusual and complicated in many ways.
FGM is a serious offence but also is a cultural issue.
District Judge Gareth Branston, sending the case to the Old Bailey for trial, said that if convicted the pair could face a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment.
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The judge quoted James Munby, President of the Family Division of the High Court, saying FGM is an abuse of human rights, a barbaric practice beyond the pale.
The 42-year-old man and 36-year-old woman deny charges of FGM and possessing animal pornography and an indecent image of a child.
They were remanded in custody until August 31 for a plea and preparation hearing at the Old Bailey.
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