Darlington mum hid camera to spy on boy’s accused killer

The detective told Mr Stockton Roberts had been concerned after hearing him put Charlie to bed.

She said the boy had cried out but then quickly stopped, leading her to believe he may have been “muffled” by having a hand placed over his mouth, the court heard.

“Did that ever happen?” the police officer asked, to which Mr Stockton replied: “No.”

He said he “shushed” Charlie by telling him there was “no need” to cry, which calmed the boy.

Mr Stockton said he knew about the camera but had not been told it was because of concerns about him.

He said why, if Roberts did indeed suspect he was harming her son, was he still left in sole charge of Charlie on multiple occasions, adding: “Nobody at any point raised any concern.”

The court heard social services had previously investigated after bruises were found on Charlie, but no further action was deemed necessary.

Mr Stockton also queried why the camera was “never on”.