Toddler’s Ear Bruising in Murder Trial Attributed to a Blow

The Teesside Crown Court was informed that bruising on a toddler’s ear, sustained prior to his death, was “inflicted by a blow”. Charlie Roberts, who was 22 months old, died from a fatal head injury at his residence in Darlington on January 12. Christopher Stockton, aged 38, who was in a relationship with Charlie’s 41-year-old mother, Paula Roberts, has pleaded not guilty to murder. Ms. Roberts has also denied charges of child neglect. Dr. Deborah Stalker, a paediatrician, testified in court, stating that ear injuries are “rarely accidental” and expressed her belief that the child’s injury was “purposefully-inflicted”. Dr. Stalker, who is also a specialist in child protection, examined photographs and post-mortem images of Charlie. She stated that she did not think his injury occurred while he was sleep-walking. She stated, “In my opinion, this is a non-accidental injury, by that I mean it is a purposefully inflicted injury.” “Accidental injuries to the ear are very rare,” she added. She clarified that during a fall, the impact is typically absorbed by the shoulder or head, not the ear. She further explained, “To injure the ear with the type of injuries that you see on Charlie’s ear requires a direct blow.” Prior to his death, Mr. Stockton was caring for the boy while his mother attended an eye test appointment. Additionally, the court was informed that Ms. Roberts had previously told her brother that her son sustained bruised ears after lying down in his toy box during a sleep-walking episode. However, Dr. Stalker informed the court: “Simple falls do not cause ear injuries. There has to be a direct force to bruise an ear. That doesn’t happen from a domestic tumble, whether awake or asleep.” She also commented that the bruising would have been “very uncomfortable” and would have caused the ear to throb. The trial is ongoing. For updates, follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.