Darlington’s mother admits neglecting her son before his alleged murder

A woman whose 22-month-old son was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend has admitted neglecting her child.

Paula Roberts, 41, was on trial alongside Christopher Stockton, 38, over the death of Charlie Roberts in Darlington in January.

She had denied child cruelty by neglect but changed her plea at Teesside Crown Court and now admits she failed to seek medical treatment for her son for various injuries he suffered in the weeks before his death.

Mr Stockton denies murder and child abuse and his trial continues.

Prosecutors previously told jurors that Charlie suffered a series of injuries in the weeks before his death, which they said were caused by Mr Stockton.

These included bruising to his ear, which medical experts said was most likely caused accidentally, and an injury to his private parts.

Mr Stockton denies any wrongdoing.

Roberts admitted child neglect for failing to seek medical care for the injuries between December 2023 and January 2024.

The court heard Mr Stockton and Roberts began a relationship in early 2023 and he acted as stepfather to Charlie after moving into the family home on Frosterley Drive.

On January 13, 18 minutes after Charlie was left in his sole care, Mr Stockton called 999 to say the boy had collapsed.

He claimed Charlie had choked on a biscuit, but scans revealed he suffered catastrophic and unsurvivable head injuries, which prosecutors said were caused by being violently shaken or hit on the head.

Roberts will be sentenced at a later date and was granted bail.

Judge Mr Justice Goss said it was a “serious offence” and he had all options available to him, including immediate arrest.