Alfie Steele murder trial: Jury hears of efforts to save boy

The emergency services arrived at the family home in Droitwich on the afternoon of February 18, 2021, but police and paramedics found Alfie Steele already cold and lifeless. 

The nine-year-old's mother, Carla Scott, and fiancee Dirk Howell are accused of murdering Alfie. 

At Coventry Crown Court on Wednesday, (May 3), jurors were shown footage from police body cameras of Scott trying to revive Alfie.

REMEMBERED: Alfie Steele (Image: West Mercia Police)

PC Paul Pickering - who was among the first on the scene at Vashon Drive - told the jury there were no signs of life despite him performing CPR after taking over.

"He was cold to the touch, he was pale," the officer said.

The officer also confirmed he had been the one to arrest Scott in the lounge of the property.

Rachel Brand KC, defending Scott, said: “When you arrested her she got upset, she started to cry.”

“That is correct,” the officer replied.

PC Pickering travelled to Worcester Police Station with Scott and Ms Brand asked if he promised her he would provide an update on Alfie’s condition.

TRIAL: Carla Scott (Image: Facebook)

“I said as soon as I hear any more, I’d tell her,” the officer said.

Ms Brand then asked if it was correct the officer later returned and had been the one to tell Scott her son had died.

“I don’t recall whether I did or didn’t,” the officer said.

PC Stacey Hegenbarth said, when she arrived, Scott had been "distressed in her demeanour".

READ MORE: Nine-year-old Alfie Steele was beaten before his death, jury hears

Live: Alfie Steele murder trial of Dirk Howell and Carla Scott gets underway​

“I remember she said words to the effect he has hit his head,” the officer said.

PC Hegenbarth, who was at times emotional in the witness box, said she noticed large lumps on Alfie's head.

The officer said Scott mentioned Alfie had fallen off his bike the day before.

“She said he had no helmet,” the officer added.

ACCUSED: Dirk Howell (Image: Facebook)

The officer also described the property saying downstairs, including the kitchen and living room, had looked "showroom" and "spotlessly clean".

“It was the polar opposite upstairs,” she said.

“It was a completely different, dishevelled property.”

Paramedic Daniel Fletcher said after he arrived Alfie was assessed.

"There were no signs of life, there was no pulse," Mr Fletcher said.

“He was in cardiac arrest, his heart not beating.”

He said Alfie was given an electric shock using a defibrillator seven times in the house and in the ambulance on the way to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Mr Fletcher was asked if it had any effect, replying “Unfortunately it didn’t”.

Howell, of Princip Street, Birmingham, has previously admitted child cruelty against other children but denies murder, manslaughter, cruelty or causing or allowing the death of Alfie.

Carla Scott, 35, denies murder, manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of Alfie and child cruelty offences against Alfie and other children.

The trial continues.