A MUM accused of murdering her son Alfie Steele denied her first thought as paramedics worked to save the nine-year-old was to her protect her fiance and co-accused.
Carla Scott, 35, and her fiancee, Dirk 'Dean' Howell, 41, are both accused of murdering the nine-year-old at the family home in Vashon Drive, Droitwich, on February 18, 2021.
Scott was cross-examined in the witness box by Michelle Heeley KC, prosecuting, at the Coventry Crown Court trial on Wednesday afternoon (May 23).
Scott was shown police body-worn footage taken when officers had arrived at the scene on the day of Alfie's death and questioned Scott if Howell had been at the house.
In the footage Scott could be seen denying he had been at the home saying the last time she had seen Howell had been "a couple of days ago."
Scott was asked by the prosecutor if, at that moment, she thought Alfie might be dead.
"Yes," Scott replied.
"Your first thought was to protect Dean wasn't it?"
"No," Scott replied.
Scott was then asked what Dean had done, Scott replying he had done nothing.
"You agree you did lie (to police)?" Scott was asked.
"Yes," the defendant replied.
The prosecutor put to Scott that Alfie had been beaten, kicked and held underwater - Scott replying "no" to each.
The jury heard earlier in the trial that the school raised concerns with social services about Alfie being "constantly hungry".
The prosecutor put it to Scott she had used food as a punishment, leading to him being starving.
"No," Scott replied adding he had a "huge appetite" and after feeding him he would still be hungry.
Later the prosecutor said: "You find lying easy don't you?"
"No," Scott replied.
Alisdair Williamson KC, for Howell, asked Scott: "You told police you were scared of him (Howell) - that's not true is it?"
"No I'm not scared of him," Scott replied.
He also put it to Scott all the punishments handed out to Alfie had been agreed between her and Howell.
Scott replied "No," adding it had not been all the punishments.
At times Honourable Justice Mark Wall KC had to ask Scott to speak up while she gave her evidence so the jury could hear her.
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 denies murder, manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of Alfie and child cruelty offences against Alfie and other children.
The trial continues.
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