A NEXT door neighbour called 999 saying he could hear a child whimpering at the house where Alfie Steele lived.
Daniel Grindrod's call, made at 5.31am on April 4, 2020, was played to the jury at the trial of Howell, 41, and Carla Scott, 35.
Howell and Alfie Steele's mum are accused of murdering the nine-year-old on February 18, 2021.
Mr Grindrod told the operator he had heard "banging and crashing" coming from the house in Vashon Drive, Droitwich.
In the call he said: "It sounded like a child in distress, a child whimpering - pleading almost."
Mr Grindrod said he also heard shouting from a male voice coming from the home.
The jury heard PC Shannon Murphy went out to follow up the call.
In his statement, PC Murphy said Scott answered the door but was confused why police were there.
The officer checked and saw Alfie sleeping in his bed.
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The officer added, after being asked, Scott stated there had not been anyone else there that night.
On Tuesday, (May 16), Dr Roger Malcomson, a pediatric pathologist, gave evidence to the Coventry Crown Court trial.
He told the jury that he carried out the post-mortem examination and his "main obvious findings" were the external injuries.
Dr Malcomson said injuries found to Alfie's head, behind his ears, on both side of his chest and both his buttocks were "likely inflicted injuries".
The expert said this was based on the pattern and the positioning as they were in protected places that were difficult to injure through a fall.
Of the chest injuries, he said: "The only realistic explanation is trauma to both sides.
"They can't have happened in the same accident [as they are on both sides of the body], and because you put out arms to protect yourself [in a fall]."
Dr Malcomson added there was no evidence Alfie's death was caused by a natural disease.
Carla Scott denies murder, manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of Alfie and child cruelty offences against Alfie and other children.
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.
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