Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Killing Partner’s Toddler in Brutal Abuse Case
Christopher Stockton found guilty of murder and child abuse, while partner Paula Roberts sentenced for neglect in the death of 22-month-old Charlie Roberts.
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기사입력 : 2025.02.09 14:41
Christopher Stockton, 38, has been sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison for the brutal murder of his partner’s 22-month-old son, Charlie Roberts. Stockton was found guilty of murder and child abuse after claiming that Charlie had choked on a biscuit in their Darlington home in January 2024. However, medical experts quickly uncovered that the toddler had been fatally abused.
Charlie’s mother, Paula Roberts, 41, who had been in a relationship with Stockton since early 2023, was sentenced to four years in prison for neglect. She admitted to failing to provide her son with necessary medical treatment for his prior injuries, with the court noting her indifference to the violence and cruelty inflicted upon her child. The court remarked that Roberts prioritized her relationship with Stockton over the safety and well-being of her son.
Stockton and Roberts had only been living together for a week when the tragic event occurred. Prior to the incident, Charlie’s daycare and family had observed suspicious bruising on his body, but Roberts did not take any action until later installing a camera in his room. On the morning of January 12, Stockton was alone with Charlie for 18 minutes when he called emergency services, claiming that the boy had difficulty breathing after choking on a biscuit while playing in the lounge. However, the calmness in Stockton’s voice led a doctor to suspect the call was a hoax.
Further investigation revealed that Charlie had suffered fatal brain injuries, including a bleed, which doctors concluded had resulted from a forceful blow, consistent with the kind of trauma caused by severe physical force, such as in a car crash or a fall from a significant height. The child died the following day.
Prosecutor Nicholas Lumley KC told the jury that Stockton displayed "little patience" with Charlie, while Roberts had failed to intervene or seek help for her son, putting her relationship above his welfare. Despite initially denying her involvement, Roberts admitted to neglect, acknowledging her failure to act in her son’s best interest. In sentencing her, the court warned that Roberts remained a danger to any children in her care.
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