THE mother of a boy who died in a bath lied to police about her partner staying overnight at the house, a jury heard.

Alfie Steele's mother Carla Scott, 35, and Dirk Howell, 41, are on trial for murder at Coventry Crown Court. 

The jury has previously heard an order banned Howell from staying overnight at the home of Alfie, nine, which was put in place amid concerns about him from social services.

On Tuesday, (May 16), PC Robert Seewoosaha gave evidence.

He said police arrived at the Steele house in Vashon Drive, Droitwich late at night on May 4, 2020. 

PC Seewoosaha said he saw a male first come up to the upstairs window before disappearing.

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The officer said Scott appeared at the front door and she was asked who was in the property. Scott replied it was her and Alfie.

The officer said he then challenged Scott on this saying he knew a man was there as he had seen him. 

The bodyworn footage was then played to the jury and, in it, the officer was seen telling Scott to get Howell.

The officer explained to her Howell would not be taken into custody but had to leave the property. 
After a lengthy wait Howell eventually left, the footage showing he was spoken to by police.

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"You are not supposed to be here," the officer told Howell.

The officer then went into the home to check on Alfie, who was in bed, before telling Scott "You have been told he is not to come here."

Later the jury heard the statement of next-door neighbour Gemma Allcott.  

Miss Allcott said on August 3, 2020, she heard banging and thrashing coming from the next-door bathroom. 

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The 999 call she made was played to the jury. 

Sergeant Samantha Bennett attended the house and observed Scott had been annoyed they had attended, telling them she knew the neighbours had called the police on them. 

After leaving the police were called again by Miss Allcott after Scott went round to her house. 

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Miss Allcott had not answered the door telling police she did not want a confrontation.

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

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

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

The trial continues.