A mother who complained 'it's not fair' as police arrested her after her boyfriend killed her toddler son has been jailed. Zoe Coutts, 35, allowed Scott O'Connor, whom she met on the dating app Bumble, to assault two-year-old Kol Page, causing injuries akin to those 'seen in a serious road traffic accident'.
Details of the Abuse
Southwark Crown Court heard that Kol suffered escalating violence while in the care of Coutts and O'Connor. In April 2022, O'Connor violently beat the toddler, leaving him with brain damage and severe injuries. Kol died two years later at the age of four years and three months.
Coutts was sentenced to 10 years in prison for allowing the death of her child. O'Connor, 36, received 18 years for manslaughter plus a five-year extended licence period.
Catastrophic Injuries
The jury was told Kol's injuries were catastrophic, comparable to those from a serious road accident or a fall from height. After meeting O'Connor in autumn 2021, Coutts, from Kent, was accused alongside him of inflicting catastrophic harm and concocting a 'tissue of lies' to avoid responsibility, even blaming Kol's own clumsiness.
Police footage showed Coutts wailing to officers as paramedics arrived: 'It's not fair.' The toddler was found not breathing on April 25, 2022, with facial bruises and a severe abdominal injury from a stamp or punch.
Failure to Protect
Judge Mr Justice Johnson said Coutts wept during sentencing but 'did not directly inflict the violence.' He told her she 'failed to take steps to protect him from your partner despite the obvious signs.' He added: 'You must have known the injuries were inflicted by Scott O'Connor. Instead of protecting Kol, you continued to live with him. Instead of taking Kol to receive medical attention, you went to watch a football match.'
The judge said both denied responsibility and showed no remorse. Prosecutor Ed Vickers KC noted the couple attended a football match instead of seeking help for the bruised toddler.
Text Messages and Evidence
Jurors saw text messages between the couple. On April 20, 2022, Coutts messaged that Kol was 'whinging,' and O'Connor replied: 'Jesus slap him back to sleep lol.' Emergency services were called on April 25, and Kol underwent surgery for three small bowel injuries, caused by significant force from a punch, kick, or stamp. Internal bleeding led to cardiac arrest and severe brain damage.
Doctors could not give enough pain medication without risking death. Kol died just over two years later, cared for by foster parents.
Victim Impact Statement
Kol's foster mother said she 'immediately fell in love with him' and stayed up nights caring for him. She said: 'He was in so much pain. He would cry out so much you could hear him from the lifts. I wanted to cuddle him but it would cause too much pain. When he heard my voice, it would placate him. I see him as my son.'
Defence barrister Charles Langley KC argued O'Connor caused all injuries. Michael Turner KC for O'Connor claimed a 'momentary loss of control' with no intent to kill. Jurors cleared both of murder but convicted Coutts of causing or allowing death, and O'Connor of manslaughter.
The judge told O'Connor he carried out a 'deliberate intentional assault' on an 'innocent and defenceless two-year-old boy.' As he was led away, O'Connor shouted: 'For something I didn't f****** do mate.'
Police and CPS Statements
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn said: 'Kol was an innocent little boy who suffered horrific abuse at home. Coutts and O'Connor tried to deceive paramedics, doctors, and police with lies. Kol was boisterous, cheeky, and loving. He should have had a bright future but was let down by those who should have protected him.'
Richard Murrison of the Crown Prosecution Service said: 'Kol deserved to be safe, loved, and protected. He was catastrophically failed. Scott O'Connor subjected him to a campaign of abuse that cost his life. Zoe Coutts did nothing to protect him.'
An NSPCC spokesperson called it a 'heartbreaking case' and urged anyone concerned about a child's welfare to contact their helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk, and to call 999 if a child is in immediate danger.
