Boyfriend's Abuse Kills Toddler, Mother's Neglect

0:00On March 25, a two-year-old boy named Cole Page suffered catastrophic injuries from an assault by his mother's boyfriend in April 2022, leading to his death two years later at age four years and three months. Scott O'Connor, 36, was convicted of manslaughter, while his girlfriend Zoe Cutts, 35, was found guilty of causing or allowing the child's death. The pair was cleared of murder charges after a jury deliberated for nearly 11 hours at Southward Crown Court. The attack happened early on April 25, at Cox's home in Kent, where O'Connor had been staying often. Cole ended up with severe abdominal injuries from punches or kicks, causing massive internal bleeding and brain damage from lack of oxygen. Instead of calling help right away, Kooz delayed by phoning a friend first, and both later blamed the toddler's clumsiness or accidents like falls. Witnesses had noticed bruises on Cole for weeks before, and messages between the couples showed they normalize rough handling of the boy.

1:01In court, each pointed fingers at the other, but evidence from photos, texts, and CCTV proof sustained abuse right under his mother's watch. Police describe Cole as a boisterous, loving child who deserves safety at home, praising the long-term care for medics and foster family that kept him going for those two years. Officials highlighted how detectives uncovered the lies through exhaustive reviews, bringing some justice after such a harrowing ordeal. Sentencing is set for both on May 8, as the court prepares reports on this tragic failure to protect an innocent little boy.