ADMITTED CHILD NEGLECT OF TODDLER IN DARLINGTON
A woman aged 41, Paula Roberts, has admitted child neglect in connection with the death of her 22-month-old son, Charlie Roberts, in Darlington in January.Roberts was on trial alongside her partner, Christopher Stockton, 38, who denies murder and child abuse.
Roberts previously denied child cruelty through neglect but changed her plea at Teesside Crown Court, admitting she failed to seek medical attention for various injuries Charlie had sustained in the weeks prior to his death.
Prosecutors described that Charlie had suffered numerous injuries, including bruising to his ear and injuries to his private parts, which they claimed were caused by Stockton.
Roberts has admitted neglect because she did not get medical help for these injuries between December 2023 and January 2024.
On 12 January, after Charlie was left in Stockton's care, he was taken to the hospital after collapsing, with scans showing catastrophic and unsurvivable head injuries.
Prosecutors argue these injuries were caused by violent shaking or banging.
Stockton denies any wrongdoing.
Roberts will be sentenced later; she has been granted bail, but the judge, Mr.
Justice Goss, described the offense as "serious" and indicated that custody could be immediate.
The trial continues regarding Stockton's involvement.
