Trial date set for Darlington pair after death of toddler

Chris Stockton denies the murder of Charlie Roberts.

The 38-year-old and the child’s mother, Paula Roberts, 40, are both charged with child neglect.

Chris Stockton with Paula Roberts and toddler Charlie Roberts (Image: Facebook)

Charlie died the day after an incident at their home in Frosterley Drive, Darlington, on Friday, January 12, which left him critically injured. He died in hospital the following day.

The pair appeared in front of Judge Francis Laird KC at Teesside Crown Court for a short hearing after their trial date was moved until later in the year.

Stockton, of Neasham Road, Darlington, who appeared in court via a video link from Durham Prison, was remanded into custody until the next hearing.

Charlie Roberts (Image: Facebook)

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Roberts, of Surtees Street, Darlington, was granted conditional bail.

Floral tributes to Charlie Roberts (Image: Northern Echo)

They are both due to appear at the same court for a three-week trial after the new trial date was set for November 12 this year in front of a High Court judge.

Durham Constabulary attended the scene with medics from the North East Ambulance Service and the Great North Air Ambulance Service, which landed on the green at Alexandra Street.

And floral tributes were placed outside the property as a mark of respect to the toddler.