Alfie Steele trial: Face bruising concerned nine-year-old's step nan

Alfie Steele's mum Scott, 35, and her partner, Dirk 'Dean' Howell, 41, are on trial for the nine-year-old's murder at Coventry Crown Court.

Giving evidence from the witness box Paul Scott said he was phoned by Carla Scott on February 18, 2021, telling him Alfie wasn't breathing. 

"I said who's not breathing?" Mr Scott said. 

"I think I said 'what have you done?'

"A policeman took over the call."

Mr Scott said he had gone to the home in Vashon Drive, Droitwich, after emergency services arrived and saw paramedics taking Alfie out.

REMEMBERED: Alfie Steele (Image: West Mercia Police)

After going into the house Mr Scott said: "I was asked about the relationship with my daughter. 

"Somebody came in and said 'I have got to tell you something' and he informed me that Alfie didn't make it to hospital, he had died."

It was put to Mr Scott by Rachel Brand KC, defending Carla Scott, that four days after Alfie died he had said he would never speak to her again. 

"I did say that," Mr Scott said. 

READ MORE: Trial hears witness saw Alfie not breathing on day of his death

READ MORE: Nine-year-old Alfie Steele was beaten before his death, jury hears

READ MORE: Alfie Steele murder trial of Dirk Howell and Carla Scott gets underway​

"If it is what I feel now, no."

Mr Scott was asked if he was strict with his own children including Carla Scott when they were growing up.

"Correct - I know now that it was wrong," Mr Scott said. 

He denied hitting children with a slipper or belts but, when asked with hands, he replied: "I hit with hands, yes."

Asked if he would discipline Alfie in that way he replied no.

The jury also heard of the close relationship Carla Scott and her dad had enjoyed, and Mr Scott said he did not know if his daughter had killed Alfie.

TRIAL: Carla Scott (Image: Facebook)

"I never stopped loving her, because she is still my girl," Mr Scott added.

Elena Scott, Carla's stepmother and Alfie's stepnan, was next to give evidence on Wednesday, (May 10). 

She said during facetime calls in lockdown she noticed bruising on Alfie's face which had concerned her. 

"But there was always an explanation, playing or falling off a bike," Elena Scott said. 

TRIAL: Dirk Howell (Image: Facebook)

After the first lockdown, a sleepover was arranged for Alfie to stay with them. 

But, Elena Scott said, they were told Alfie had been grounded so he couldn't come. 

Carla Scott denies murder, manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of Alfie and child cruelty offences against Alfie and other children.

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Howell, of Princip Street, Birmingham, admitted child cruelty against other children before his trial, but denies murder, manslaughter, cruelty or causing or allowing the death of Alfie.

The trial continues.