Father claims shaking toddler was part of bonding experience

In Middlesbrough, England, a trial is unfolding concerning Christopher Stockton, 38, who is accused of violently shaking his girlfriend's one-year-old son, Charlie, resulting in catastrophic head injuries. The alleged incident occurred on January 12, when Stockton was left in charge of Charlie, who was reportedly quiet and upset initially but seemed to calm down during their playtime. When Charlie began to cough and exhibit distress by going limp, Stockton called emergency services, desperately encouraging the boy to respond, indicating a pressing emergency situation. Prior to this incident, concerns regarding Charlie's well-being had been raised. It was noted that the toddler had sustained injuries in December and January to his private areas and ear but, as per evidence presented in the court, medical assistance was not sought during these occurrences. The child's mother, identified as Roberts, had even set up a surveillance camera due to her increasing worries regarding Stockton's handling of her son, which further highlighted the troubling context leading to Charlie's tragic fate. During his testimony, Stockton expressed that he did not harbor any ill feelings towards Charlie and characterized the relationship between them as one in which they were "building a bond." He described a learning experience with Charlie, indicating that he lacked previous experience caring for young children due to his own child being hospitalized in the past. Despite this assertion, prosecutors have pointed to the severity of the injuries that Charlie sustained under Stockton's care, as well as the inconsistencies in his explanations. The court heard of instances when Roberts noticed unexplained bruises on Charlie, which prompted her to express concerns about his condition. According to Stockton, there was an occasion when Roberts accused him of harming Charlie by flicking his eye, but he defended himself by stating he was merely trying to clear a fly from the child's face. The testimony and evidence are contributing factors in determining whether Stockton's actions were a result of negligence or a deliberate act of violence, as the courtroom continues to assess the case's numerous complexities surrounding childcare and trust within familial and intimate partner relationships.