Woman Pleads Guilty to Neglecting Son Before Alleged Murder

A woman has pleaded guilty to child neglect, concerning her 22-month-old son, who was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend. Paula Roberts, aged 41, was standing trial alongside Christopher Stockton, 38, regarding the passing of Charlie Roberts in Darlington during January. Initially, she had denied a charge of child cruelty by neglect, but she altered her plea at Teesside Crown Court. She now acknowledges that she did not seek medical care for her son’s various injuries sustained in the weeks preceding his death. Mr. Stockton maintains his innocence regarding charges of murder and child abuse, and his trial is ongoing. Earlier, prosecutors informed jurors that Charlie had sustained several injuries in the weeks leading up to his death, which they asserted were inflicted by Mr. Stockton. These injuries encompassed bruising to his ear, which medical experts deemed extremely likely to have been caused accidentally, and an injury to his private parts. Mr. Stockton refutes all allegations of wrongdoing. Roberts’ admission of child neglect was based on her failure to secure medical attention for the injuries sustained between December 2023 and January 2024. The court was informed that Mr. Stockton and Roberts began a relationship in early 2023, and he assumed the role of a stepfather to Charlie after moving into the family’s residence on Frosterley Drive. On January 12, precisely 18 minutes after Charlie was placed in his exclusive care, Mr. Stockton contacted 999, reporting that the boy had collapsed. He asserted that Charlie had been choking on a biscuit; however, medical scans disclosed that the child had sustained catastrophic and unsurvivable head injuries, which prosecutors contended resulted from him being violently shaken or having his head struck. Roberts is scheduled for sentencing at a later date and has been granted bail. Judge Mr. Justice Goss remarked that it constituted a “serious offence” and that all available options would be considered by him, including immediate custody. 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 disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.