Mother and Boyfriend Convicted of Negligent Homicide and Premeditated Murder of 9-Year-Old Alfie Steele Found Unconscious in Bath

On 18 February 2021, nine-year-old Alfie Steele was found unconscious in the bath at home in Droitwich in Worcestershire.

The boy’s mother, Carla Scott (35), was convicted of negligent homicide on Monday, reports BBC.

Her boyfriend, professional criminal Dirk Howell (41), was convicted of premeditated murder.

Both deny having killed the boy, but they have admitted to abusing him.

Strong impressions

At Coventry High Court, horrifying details of what Alfie Steele’s last days were like have emerged.

When he was found, he had more than 50 injuries on his body.

According to the prosecutor’s office, the boy was regularly mistreated and punished, reports The Guardian.

He was beaten by his mother and her boyfriend, and, among other things, forced to stand outside the house, and had his head pressed under ice-cold water.

Regrets bitterly: – Not prepared

Body temperature of 23 degrees

The exact cause of death could not be determined.

According to the coroners, there are many indications that the boy drowned in freezing water.

In questioning, however, Carla Scott has said that her son took a hot bath, and that he must have fallen asleep and drowned.

The explanation stands in stark contrast to the boy’s body temperature, which was 23 degrees when he was tried to be revived.

Ran away

Videos from police body cameras were shown in court.

According to Worchester News Dirk Howell escaped from the house shortly after the murder.

The videos showed a sobbing Carla Scott being questioned by police while attempts were made to revive her son.

– I found him an hour ago. I went in there and pulled him out right away, Scott told the officer, pointing to the bathroom.

Changed explanation

The police officer was surprised that Scott had waited so long before calling for help.

In court, it was speculated whether Scott and his girlfriend used the time to cover up the murder, and disguise it as a drowning accident by putting him in warm water.

– What you say is incomprehensible, said the police officer in the video.

Then Scott changed his explanation – which made the police turn their suspicions on her.

– I found him ten minutes ago. Sorry, she said soon after.

Almost lost his leg after a family quarrel

Called the police several times

Carla Scott and Dirk Howell were known to the social service, according to the BBC.

The authorities had ordered the latter to stay away from Scott’s house, but in court it emerged that he constantly violated the ban.

Neighbors called the police several times after hearing screaming and crying from both inside and outside the house.

The school notified the social services that the boy kept coming to school hungry.

The authorities will now investigate what could have been done to save Alfie, according to the BBC.

– Huge sadness

After the verdict, Alfie Steele’s grandfather read a statement from the family outside the courtroom.

– Losing Alfie has left a huge void in our lives. To think that we will never get to hug him and watch him grow up to be a capable young man is terrible. We miss him very much.

Julia (24) went missing after a mountain trip

– Absolutely awful

Outside court, Detective Leighton Harding told the many reporters present that Alfie Steel had a terrible childhood.

– Alfie should have received unconditional love and protection from Scott, but she deliberately neglected his needs. She chose to prioritize her own needs and her relationship with Howell, knowing the cruel treatment he inflicted on Alfie, he said.

One-year-old drowned in bucket of water

– We have to learn

The authorities’ handling of the whole thing will now be investigated, said Harding.

– We must learn from this sad case, he said.