03 May 2023 , 12:48
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A mum accused of killing her nine-year-old son told 999 operators he "fell asleep in the bath", a court has heard.
Carla Scott is charged with the murder of schoolboy Alfie Steele at her home in Droitwich, Worcestershire, in February 2021.
A jury at Coventry Crown court on Wednesday heard a 999 call was made by Scott after Alfie stopped breathing, as she appeared to tell the dispatcher the youngster suffered an asthma attack during a bath.
After confirming some basic details about the boy son, Alfie Steele, the operator asked: "Is the patient breathing?"
Scott, aged 35, was heard to reply 'No he's not' before she added 'He fell asleep in the bath'.
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After being told an ambulance was on the way Scott added: "He fell asleep in the bath. He's got asthma. When he was a baby he got pneumonia."
The operator proceeded to provide instructions on giving breaths to Alfie, Birmingham Live reports.
After a while Scott said: "I can see him breathing a bit. Not a lot but I can see him breathing a bit."
Carla Scott is accused of murdering her son Alfie Steel (Facebook)
Scott's partner Dirk Howell is also facing manslaughter and child cruelty charges (Facebook)As Scott confirmed to the operator that the ambulance had arrived she also said: "He's banged his head as well."
PC Paul Pickering gave evidence confirming he arrived at the address and went upstairs where he found Scott, wearing a 'black top and black knickers', in a bedroom where Alfie was lying on the floor on his back.
He said: "She was in distress and in a state of panic."
Asked if Alfie was moving at all the officer added: "Not at that time, there were no signs of life whatsoever. His body was cold to the touch. It was pale. There was no sort of colour or pigmentation.
"I could see the entirety of his body. There was no movement."
PC Pickering told the court he gave chest compressions.
Police at Alfie's home in Droitwich (Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)He confirmed at one stage he asked Scott what had happened and stated she initially replied that she found Alfie in the bath 'about an hour ago' before clarifying it was 'about ten minutes ago'.
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He confirmed he arrested her on suspicion of child cruelty at 3.51pm.
Scott, of Vashon Drive, Droitwich, denies charges of murder, manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of Alfie and child cruelty offences.
Her partner Dirk Howell, aged 41, of Princip Street, Birmingham, has admitted child cruelty offences against other children. He denies murder, manslaughter, cruelty and causing or allowing the death of Alfie.
The trial continues.