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SHOCKING: Andre Curry posted this picture of his daughter online

THE MOTHER of a girl, whose picture appeared on Facebook showing her bound at the ankles and wrists, has defended the child's father, who is believed to have posted the shocking image.

Yesmin Doss, 20, told a court in Chicago that Andre Curry is a loving father and the picture, which sparked outrage online and a subsequent police probe, was meant as a joke and was illustrative of a playful evening between Curry and his daughter.

"It's just not what it's supposed to be," Doss is reported to have said through tears.

"He's been called a monster and stuff and Dre's just a great guy. He's just a great, a great father," she continued.

Curry appeared in court yesterday and pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated domestic battery and unlawful restraint.

The 21-year-old was arrested last month after the controversial photo, which appeared with the caption, "This is wut happens wen my baby hits me back [sic]," spread online.

Curry remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court today for a hearing on his attorney's motion to reduce his bond, which was set at $100,000.

He was also told to stay off the Internet and away from all children under the age of 18, including his daughter.

ARRESTED: Andre Curry has pleaded not guilty to charges of child abuse