Video Game Dad Shakes Toddler to Death After Staying Up All Night
A man drunken on Xbox rage has been jailed for life for the horrific murder of his girlfriend’s 22-month-old toddler. Christopher Stockton, 38, was handed a minimum 25-year sentence at Teesside Crown Court for violently shaking little Charlie Roberts to death.
Violent Attack Caught in a 999 Call
On January 12, 2024, Charlie’s mum, Paula Roberts, left her baby in Stockton’s care while she went for an eye test at their Darlington home. Minutes later, Stockton panicked and dialled 999, claiming the toddler had gone “floppy.”
Paramedics found Charlie unconscious, rushed him to hospital with severe head trauma and brain bleeding. Despite their efforts, the tot died the next day.
Red Flags Ignored
Prosecutors revealed Paula had suspicions about Stockton’s behaviour. So worried was she that she secretly installed a camera over Charlie’s cot. Yet she stayed with Stockton, who had only moved in a week before, even confiding in her brother about her fears.
Stockton had been off work sick that day and was up all night playing Xbox. Prosecutors said he “snapped” and brutally shook or threw the little boy with deadly force.
Stockton’s Lies Exposed
During the trial, prosecutor Nicholas Lumley KC detailed Stockton’s desperate 999 call begging Charlie to wake up. But when questioned, Stockton lied, claiming Charlie had choked on a biscuit and he’d just tried to help.
Medical experts demolished this story, confirming the injuries came from violent shaking or impact. The prosecution branded the attack an act of rage and Stockton’s excuse a cruel cover-up.
Justice for Little Charlie
The judge slammed Stockton’s “cowardly and cruel” actions, condemning the needless death of an innocent child entrusted to him.
“Charlie was my world, and no sentence will ever bring him back,” Paula Roberts said tearfully outside court.
Detective Inspector Emma Gill called the case “deeply harrowing” and said, “Charlie should have been safe in his own home. Stockton’s actions were unforgivable, and justice has been served.”
Stockton faces at least 25 years behind bars before parole.
