Man convicted of toddler’s murder

A male individual has been convicted of the murder of his girlfriend’s 22-month-old son. Charlie Roberts passed away in a hospital one day subsequent to sustaining fatal shaking injuries at his residence in Darlington during January. Christopher Stockton, aged 38, had pleaded not guilty to murder; however, he was found culpable of that charge as well as physically abusing Charlie in the period leading up to his demise. Charlie’s mother, Paula Roberts, 41, had earlier confessed to child neglect due to her failure to seek medical care for his prior injuries. Sentencing for both individuals is scheduled for a later time. Following the verdict, Charlie’s father, Barry Greenwell, issued a statement asserting that Charlie was a “much-loved son and grandson” whose life had been “taken away needlessly,” creating an irreplaceable void. Teesside Crown Court was informed that Stockton and Roberts commenced a relationship in early 2023, and he relocated to her residence in Frosterley Drive a mere seven days prior to Charlie sustaining his fatal injuries. Roberts had expressed a desire for Charlie to refer to Stockton as “daddy” and entrusted her son entirely to the man’s supervision on the morning of 12 January as she attended an optician’s appointment. A mere 18 minutes after Roberts’ departure, Stockton contacted 999, reporting that Charlie was “floppy” and had ceased breathing. Prosecutors highlighted his unsettling composure during the call, so much so that a Great North Air Ambulance medic initially suspected it was a hoax. Stockton also stated he was too ill with pneumonia to administer complete CPR to the unconscious child. Stockton asserted that Charlie had been choking on a biscuit; however, medical personnel harbored immediate suspicions. Scans conducted at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary subsequently disclosed that Charlie had suffered catastrophic bleeding within his brain. Charlie passed away the subsequent day, and pathologists determined that he had either been intentionally violently shaken or had his head impacted with considerable force. Stockton had refuted the charge of murdering Charlie, claiming ignorance regarding the cause of his injuries. His legal defense team contended that Roberts might have caused the fatal wounds prior to her departure. Nevertheless, medical professionals testified that the injuries were of such gravity that Charlie would have collapsed almost instantly upon their infliction, indicating they must have occurred while Stockton was in sole company with the child. Furthermore, Stockton was convicted of physically abusing Charlie on earlier instances, and Roberts confessed to neglecting to secure medical attention for her son after he sustained injuries in the weeks preceding his death. Prosecutor Nicholas Lumley KC stated that Roberts was willing to “overlook” her boyfriend’s conduct in order to “keep him in her life,” whereas Stockton exhibited “little patience” for Charlie. Roberts had harbored suspicions that Stockton might be harming Charlie, leading her to conceal a camera in the boy’s bedroom; however, she did not pursue any additional measures. The jury deliberated for four and a half hours before rendering guilty verdicts against Stockton. He displayed no discernible reaction upon the announcement of the verdicts. Judge Mr Justice Goss informed Stockton that he would receive a life sentence, but a mandatory minimum term would be established, which he must complete before becoming eligible for parole consideration. This sentencing would occur on a date in the new year, the judge further noted. He also expressed gratitude to the jurors for their efforts in the “upsetting” and “distressing” proceedings. Following the delivery of the verdicts, Dominic Tate of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) commented that Charlie exhibited a “pattern of unexplained injuries” that could “only have been inflicted by another person,” and for which Roberts neglected to obtain medical assistance. Tate stated that on 12 January, Stockton “lost his temper” and assaulted Charlie “with sufficient violence to cause catastrophic head injuries.” Det Supt Chris Barker, from Durham Constabulary, remarked that Stockton had been “entrusted” with Charlie’s care, further stating: “It was his responsibility to keep Charlie safe.” “He didn’t do that.” “He is the only person who knows exactly what happened that morning but what we do know is his actions resulted in this little boy’s death.” “Charlie had everything to live for, but his life was cruelly cut short.” For updates, follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.