Alfie Steele verdict: Boy's treatment 'cruel and inhumane'

“Today the case has concluded at court with Dirk Howell being found guilty of Alfie’s murder and Carla Scott found guilty of manslaughter.

“I am pleased that justice has been done today for Alfie and our thoughts remain with his family, who have shown incredible strength and dignity throughout the investigation and trial.

"Alfie suffered the most horrifying physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Scott and Howell. It is unimaginable to consider the fear and distress Alfie must have felt during the events that led to his collapse and death in his home on the morning of 18th February 2021. The physical violence he suffered at the hands of Scott and Howell, which involved being forced into a cold bath and his head held under water, caused his death.

BOY: Alfie Steele (Image: West Mercia Police)

“The court heard evidence of a culture of excessive punishment of Alfie by Scott and Howell. Punishment amounted to beating Alfie with a belt and a slider until he was black and blue with bruising. He was often woken in the early hours of the morning and made to stand outside where Scott and Howell threw jugs of cold water over him.

“He was often grounded for excessive periods, made to stand for hours inside and outside his home, food removed from him, banished to his room, repeatedly forced into a bath of cold water and his head held under.

GUILTY: Carla Scott (Image: West Mercia Police)

“The conduct of Scott and Howell was nothing less than serious physical and emotional abuse, inflicting the most cruel and inhumane treatment of Alfie.

“Alfie should have expected unconditional love and protection of Scott, yet she deliberately neglected his needs, choosing to prioritise her own needs and relationship with Howell, knowing the cruel treatment he was inflicting upon Alfie.

“Scott and Howell did nothing to protect Alfie and inflicted or permitted the torrent of physical and emotional abuse to continue time and time again.

GUILTY: Dirk Howell (Image: West Mercia Police)

“Both continued to lie to social services and police to protect themselves from their abuse being discovered, and even confronted and threatened neighbours and members of the public who reported concerns over their treatment of Alfie. At no stage has either of them shown any remorse or acceptance of responsibility for their actions.

“Today’s verdict will never undo the dreadful abuse Alfie suffered but it will mean those responsible for inflicting such terror and pain will face the consequences of their sickening actions.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their support and all the witnesses who gave evidence in the trial, which was crucial to securing the convictions.

“I would like also to thank the investigation team, crown prosecution service and prosecution counsel who have worked tirelessly on this case to get justice for Alfie.”

Paul Reid of the Crown Prosecution Service added: “As a mother, Carla Scott tragically put her loyalty to her partner above her duty to protect her child.

"It is a tragedy that Alfie’s life was cruelly taken away by the people who were supposed to love and care for him.

“We hope today’s verdict is a reminder that child abuse will not be tolerated and that those who choose abuse over compassion can expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“Our thoughts are with Alfie’s family at this time.”