A nine-year-old boy subject to a “sinister” regime of punishment from his mum and her partner died after being held down in a cold bath and whipped and beaten, a court heard.

Alfie Steele's mother Carla Scott and her partner Dirk Howell, from Birmingham, are both accused of the boy's murder.

Michelle Heeley KC, prosecuting, said during the opening day of a trial at Coventry Crown Court today (May 2) that "both thought it was acceptable" to hit Alfie with "belts, or a slider, like a heavy-duty flip flop, and use other more sinister forms of punishment".

The schoolboy was found by police officers cold and lifeless at his family home in Droitwich, Worcestershire, on February 18, 2021, the court heard.

He tragically died at Worcester Royal Hospital.

Alfie had more than 50 injuries all over his body, the court was told, caused by "direct pressure” which left him "susceptible to drowning whilst unconscious".

The court heard that the youngster was subject to months of sick cruelty and a “sinister” regime of punishment.

"This case is about the murder of a nine year old boy called Alfie Steele, who died after being beaten and deliberately put in a cold bath," Ms Heeley said opening today's hearing.

"Alfie had not simply fallen asleep in a comfortable bath.

"He had been deliberately and repeatedly assaulted, beaten, and put into and held under a cold bath as a punishment, and that unlawful course of conduct, that unnecessary punishment, was carried out jointly by Carla Scott and Dirk Howell.

"It was their actions that led to his death."

On the day the youngster died, just before 2.30pm, Scott called 999 claiming little Alfie had fallen asleep in the bath and slipped under the surface.

The mum claimed she had taken him out to try and resuscitate him but Alfie wasn’t breathing, the court heard.

By the time police arrived, officers noted that Alfie was already lifeless, the jury was told.

Ms Heeley said that neighbours had also witnessed Howell’s aggressive nature towards Alfie, watching him shout at the nine-year-old in the street.

The court heard a consultant neuropathologist believed Alfie had died from drowning, mechanical asphyxia or concussive head trauma.

Professor Safa Al-Sarraj said there was no possibility Alfie died of natural causes.

The trial continues.

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