
Christopher Stockton is facing a trial at Teesside Crown Court accused of murdering 22-month-old Charlie Roberts
A Darlington toddler may have sustained a fatal brain injury after being “shaken”, a jury has heard.
Christopher Stockton is currently facing a trial at Teesside Crown Court accused of murdering 22-month-old Charlie Roberts in January. The 38-year-old, of Darlington, is also accused of child cruelty, said to be committed between May 1 last year and January 14 this year. He denies both charges.
The mother of Charlie, Paula Roberts, of Darlington, is also standing trial accused of child neglect. The 41-year-old denies the charge.
On Monday, the jury heard evidence from brain pathologist, Dr Daniel Du Plessis, who examined Charlie’s brain. He explained how Charlie’s brain injury was likely caused by shaking or “oscillation”, reports Chronicle Live.
The doctor said that Charlie’s brain injury was so severe, there was “no chance of survival” and that he sustained a “traumatic event” that impacted his brain and spinal cord. He said that it was “impossible” for Charlie to have sustained his injuries from a domestic accident, saying: “There was a third party involved in exposing the child to force, triggering the bleed. It would not have been an accidental fall or a trip.”
Speaking of how the brain injury may have been caused, Dr Du Plessis said: “The common denominator is what appears to be forceful repetitive movement of the head and neck, [which] can be shaking. This profile, whatever happened, involved excessive to-ing and fro-ing of the head.”
Nicholas Lumley KC, prosecuting asked: “It was reported that Charlie was said to have fallen from his cot, perhaps three or four hours earlier. Could that have caused the findings you observed?”
Dr Du Plessis replied: “No…it would be exceptional for that domestic accident to cause everything found.” The doctor added that no natural disease was found and that Charlie’s head injury was “non-accidental”.
Putting questions to the witness regarding Charlie’s spinal cord, defence barrister Jamie Hill KC asked: “You’ve indicated how shaking can cause trauma and bleeding. The spinal cord is a continuation of the brain…bleeding can get there through gravity can’t it?”
Dr Du Plessis replied: “Yes, there is some evidence that can happen.”