Darlington toddler Charlie Roberts murdered after months of abuse, a court heard

Daycare staff first noticed bruises on Charlie’s head in April, and in May the toddler was taken to the hospital because he had bruises on his face. Mrs Roberts told doctors her son had fallen, the court heard.

Social services investigated but concluded the injuries were accidental, Lumley said.

Family and friends saw further bruising on Charlie in the following months, and in late August 2023 Mrs Roberts installed a spy camera overlooking her son’s bed but took no further action, the court heard.

Mr Lumley said there were “too many bruises not to be the result of neglect”, adding that everyone who lived with Charlie bore “criminal responsibility” for what happened to him.

Mrs Roberts said the bruises and lumps were caused by Charlie falling out of bed and told ‘lies’ about taking him to hospital when she had not, the court heard.