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Mum of ‘murdered’ tot installed spy camera above cot due to ‘concerns’ about partner

A mother’s concerns about her partner’s behaviour led her to install a spy camera above her toddler’s cot months before the child allegedly suffered a fatal head injury, a court heard. Paula Roberts, 41, left her one year and 10-month-old son Charlie in the care of her partner Christopher Stockton, 38, while she went for an eye test. The jury at Teesside Crown Court was told that Stockton, who is not Charlie’s father, called emergency services minutes after Roberts left, reporting that the toddler had become “floppy” without apparent cause. Stockton is accused of inflicting a severe brain injury on Charlie, leading to his death.
Stockton denies murder and neglect charges, while Roberts also denies a charge of neglect. The court heard that Charlie had suffered bruises and injuries in the months leading up to his death. Roberts had expressed concerns about Stockton to her brother and subsequently installed a spy camera above Charlie’s cot in August 2023. Stockton’s call to emergency services on the day of the incident claimed that Charlie had choked on a biscuit, but subsequent investigations revealed serious head injuries. Stockton’s defence is that he did not cause Charlie’s death, while Roberts maintains that the injuries were not inflicted by her.
The prosecution outlined a series of concerning incidents leading up to Charlie’s death, including bruises, a painful injury to his private parts, and a suspicious Christmas photo taken by Stockton. The court was shown evidence of Roberts’ vigilance in monitoring her son’s well-being, indicating her efforts to protect Charlie. The case raises questions about parental vigilance, partner trust, and the tragic consequences of suspected neglect or abuse.
In a tragic turn of events, Charlie’s life was cut short by a catastrophic head injury, prompting a legal battle to determine responsibility for his untimely death. The emotional toll of the trial was palpable as recordings of emergency calls and details of Charlie’s injuries were presented in court. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of child welfare and the devastating impact of suspected abuse on innocent lives.
Insights and Summary:
The rewritten article highlights the heartbreaking story of a mother’s concerns for her toddler’s safety and the subsequent tragedy that unfolded. The restructured content emphasises the sequence of events, legal proceedings, and emotional impact of the case. It underlines the importance of vigilance in child protection and the devastating consequences of suspected neglect or abuse. The insights and summary aim to capture the essence of the article while adding depth and reflection on the broader implications of the story.