Ex-boyfriend found guilty of manslaughter of woman's young son left with brain damage after beating

A woman's former boyfriend has been found guilty of the manslaughter of her young son, who died two years after a beating which left him with brain damage.

Kol Page was not breathing, had bruises on his face and a serious abdomen injury from a stamp or punch when paramedics arrived on 25 April 2022.

His internal injuries were so bad he could not be given enough pain medication without risking his life.

Kol lived for two more years before dying on 29 June 2024.

Zoe Coutts, his mother, was convicted on Wednesday at Southwark Crown Court of allowing the death of a child, while her boyfriend at the time, Scott O'Connor, was convicted of manslaughter. They were cleared of murder.

Evidence showed that Kol suffered "sustained abuse" for months at the home in Downham Way, Bromley.

The pair lied to friends and family that his injuries were because he was always "falling off things and bumping into things" - a claim his mother continued with when she was arrested.

But phone data showed 36-year-old O'Connor, her new partner, had been at the family home 28 times in the month before the attack.

Pictures showed the toddler's injuries getting steadily worse during this period, including multiple black eyes and a bald patch from where his hair had been torn out.

Shocking text messages

Shockingly, texts revealed the couple joking about hurting Kol, and sharing images of his injuries.

Coutts, 35, had messaged O'Connor to say Kol had been "whinging", and O'Connor replied, saying: "Jesus slap him back to sleep lol."

In the minutes leading up the ambulance being called, O'Connor and Coutts continued to message one another. However, the messages were not about his injuries, but about their hangovers and what they wanted for dinner.

Coutts also called a friend before an ambulance when she realised her son was not breathing, according to police, and doctors believe this delay caused Kol to suffer brain damage.

The pair will be sentenced on 8 May.

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"Kol was an innocent little boy who suffered horrific abuse in the place where he should have been safest - at home with his mother," said Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn.

Kol was "boisterous, cheeky and endlessly loving to everyone who knew him".

DCI Blackburn added: "He should have had a bright future, but was instead let down by those who should have protected him most. He will always be remembered."

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