Lancashire man 'murdered baby and filmed horror attacks on phone' court hears

Charlie Hunt

A horrified court was shown shocking footage of a Lancashire man 'happy slapping' and kicking a crying toddler who he allegedly murdered.

Jurors wept as they were shown disturbing mobile phone videos of Darren Newton abusing his girlfriend's 15-month-old Charlie Hunt, whose screams could be heard in the clips.

Newton, 32, filmed himself attacking the toddler on numerous occasions, which Manchester Crown Court heard gave him "pleasure" and "satisfaction".

Newton, from Earby, gave the recordings titles such as 'Crying, no toys in pen, ahhhh', 'Squeezing toe in cot', 'Two minutes of pain' and 'Shivering no water', taken when Charlie was naked in an empty bath.

The prosecution alleges one video, titled "Happy Slap'', filmed in November 2009, shows the fatal attack which caused Charlie's death from serious head injuries.

In the clip, Newton is seen to slap Charlie 12 times on the head, forcing his finger in the tot's ear as he screams and cries and finally kicking him on the floor.

Two weeks later, on 19th November 2009, the toddler was rushed to Airedale Hospital, in West Yorkshire, but died shortly after from severe brain injuries, including swelling and bleeding to his brain and damage and bleeding to his eyes.

Following a post-mortem, a Home Office pathologist concluded the injuries were deliberately inflicted and not caused by a fit or convulsion.

Charlie's mother, Laura Chapman, was unaware of Newton's "dark and wicked side" as the factory worker filmed the graphic footage when he was left alone with the baby.

The pair met in early 2009 when Ms Champan moved next door to Newton.

Prosecutor Denis Watson QC told the court Ms Chapman thought her life had "taken a turn for the better" and described the accused as a "quiet, caring and loving man".

Mr Watson also told the court how, in the months leading up to his death, Charlie had been taken to hospital suffering from vomiting and "fits''.

The youngster was later discharged, as doctors believed he appeared "clingy'' but was soon "back to his old self".

Newton pleaded guilty to 12 counts of child cruelty but denies murder and two offences of child cruelty where there was no contact.

However, the prosecution alleges that they amount to ill-treatment because of the 'emotional cruelty' to Charlie.

The trial continues and is expected to last three weeks.

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