Parents Convicted in Toddler's Death

0:00On March 26, a 36-year-old man named Scott O'Connor has been convicted of manslaughter in the death of four-year-old Cole Page, the son of his then-girlfriend. Cole's mother, 35-year-old Zoe Kouts, was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of her child. The pair were cleared of murder charges at Southowark Crown Court. Paramedics rushed to a home in Bromley on April 25, 2022, after reports of a toddler not breathing. They found Cole without a pulse and with heavy bruising on his head and face. Doctors later discovered severe internal injuries from blunt force, like punches or kicks, leaving him with brain damage. Cole spent 14 months in hospital needing constant care before moving to a foster family. Sadly, he died from those injuries on June 29, 2024, more than two years later. The court heard evidence of escalating bruises over weeks, despite the pair's claims that the boy was just clumsy. During the trial, jurors deliberated for nearly 11 hours before reaching verdicts.

1:04Both denied harming Cole, but messages showed a lack of concern, and Kouts had skipped some social services visits when bruises were visible. Officials described a pattern of abuse in what should have been a safe home. Prosecutors and police hailed the convictions as justice for Cole, praising the work that uncovered the truth through messages and records. Sentencing will come later, ensuring those responsible face consequences for failing this little boy.