A mum accused of murdering her own son has dramatically sacked her own legal team the day after she finished giving evidence.

Christina Robinson, 30, is on trial accused of murdering her son Dwelaniyah, 3, at their County Durham home in November 2022, and child cruelty. She denies both charges.

Robinson finished giving evidence on Thursday (March 14) as she rejected claims her son was an “inconvenience” to her, and defence barrister Mr Jamie Hill KC wrapped up his case.

The Northern Echo: Dwelaniyah Robinson.Dwelaniyah Robinson. (Image: PA)

The jury was told prosecutor Mr Richard Wright KC and Mr Hill would sum up their cases today when they were sent home on Thursday night.

But in an unexpected twist when they returned to Newcastle Crown Court this morning it’s understood jurors were instead told Robinson had dispensed of her legal representatives.

It’s understood jurors were sent home while it was decided how the case should progress.

Mr Hill confirmed to the Echo he is no longer acting on Christina Robinson’s behalf.

The Northern Echo: Christina Robinson.Christina Robinson. (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

No one is required to have a legal team representing them, and Robinson could proceed effectively representing herself. Or she may decide to bring in new lawyers for the remainder of the trial.

It’s not yet clear how it will go forward.

It comes at the end of the third week of the trial, which was pencilled in to last four weeks.

She previously admitted in court to hitting the toddler with a bamboo cane because he was “messing” about with his food.


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It’s alleged she deliberately submerged him in scalding water causing 20% burns to his legs, buttocks and genitals about three weeks before he died. Robinson denies the prosecution’s claims, saying she accidentally burned him in the shower when the water got too hot as she tried to clean him of excrement.

She has also denied violently shaking him, causing a fatal brain injury, claiming he collapsed while eating.

The trial is expected to resume on Monday.