A MUM has admitted neglecting her baby son who was allegedly shaken to death by her lover after a seven-month abuse campaign.
Charlie Roberts was attacked with such “devastating” force that his brain moved in his skull – causing “irreparable damage”, it is said.
The one-year-old was in the sole care of stepdad Christopher Stockton at the time of the horror, Teesside Crown Court heard.
Jurors heard that in the seven months leading to his death, little Charlie was subjected to a campaign of abuse.
His mum Paula Roberts, 41, initially denied a charge of neglect but today pleaded guilty midway through the trial.
She admitted she failed to seek medical help for Charlie in December and January when he suffered bruising to his genitals and ear.
The court heard previously how on January 12, a “sleep-deprived” Stockton, 38, was left to look after Charlie at their home in Darlington.
Jurors heard Roberts had become so “concerned” about her baby and partner that she installed a spy camera in a plant pot above his cot.
Shortly after she popped out for an eye test, Stockton called 999 claiming the youngster had choked on a chocolate biscuit – although nothing was found in his airways.
In harrowing audio footage released by prosecutors, he could be heard begging the baby to wake up.
The stepdad tells the operator Charlie is “barely” breathing and is “really floppy”.
He then pleads “come on” three times to the injured baby, before adding one final time: “Ok come on, Charlie”.
Jurors heard Stockton was so “incredibly calm” during the call that a senior medic at first thought it was a false alarm.
The court was told Charlie’s horrific injuries were so “devastating” he likely would have collapsed “almost immediately”.
He tragically couldn’t be saved and died in hospital the following day.
Medics could find no underlying health conditions, which led them to believe his cause of death was the “application of severe force” that caused “his head to rotate or be thrown about”, it was said.
Jurors heard previously that staff at his nursery had raised concerns when they noticed bruising on the tot.
Social services were called after Charlie was rushed to hospital with marks to his ear, eye and head but no action was taken, it was said.
Jurors heard the baby had injuries to his genitals that were likely to have been caused by a “violent pulling force”.
Roberts’ brother also noticed marks on both of his ears but the mum claimed he had been sleep-walking.
Stockton denies murder and child neglect.
The trial continues.
