Jury sworn in as man stands trial charged with murder of toddler in Darlington
by David Huntley · ChronicleLiveA jury has been sworn in as the trial of a man accused of murdering a toddler in County Durham gets set to begin.
Christopher Stockton appeared at Teesside Crown Court this morning accused of murdering 22-month-old Charlie Roberts in Darlington in January. The 38-year-old, of Neasham Road, Darlington, is also accused of child cruelty, said to be committed between May 1 last year and January 14 this year. He denies both charges.
The mother of Charlie, Paula Roberts, of Frosterley Drive in Darlington, will also stand trial accused of child neglect. The 40-year-old denies the charge.
On Wednesday, a jury of 12 people - seven women and five men - were sworn in at the court. The judge, Mr Justice James Goss, said the trial is scheduled to last up to four or five weeks.
The judge said: "You are now the jury in this case. This trial is likely to last in the region of four or five weeks. It is difficult to estimate because no one knows what's going to happen in the future.
"You will decide what is and isn't truthful in relation to the evidence. Conclusions are drawn from your assessment of all evidence. You and you alone have the responsibility of reaching verdicts in this case." The jury will return to the court on Thursday morning, when prosecutor, Nicholas Lumley KC will open the case.
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