Killers' cruel and inhumane treatment of Droitwich schoolboy
Carla Scott has been found guilty of manslaughter and Dirk Howell of murder after Alfie Steele was found dead at his home
Last updated 13th Jun 2023
The mum and stepdad who killed a nine-year-old schoolboy in Droitwich made him suffer “the most horrifying physical and emotional abuse”, West Mercia Police says.
Carla Scott, 35, was found guilty of manslaughter after her son Alfie Steele was found dead in a bath with some 50 injuries, with Dirk Howell, 41, guilty of murder.
Both denied killing Alfie, but the trial was told how he was repeatedly assaulted, beaten and put in a cold bath as part of a cruel and "sinister" regime of correction.
After the verdict, West Mercia Police senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Leighton Harding, who led the case, said he was pleased justice had been done for Alfie.
"Alfie suffered the most horrifying physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Scott and Howell,” he said.
“It is unimaginable to consider the fear and distress Alfie must have felt during the events that led to his collapse and death in his home.”
He added: “The physical violence he suffered at the hands of Scott and Howell, which involved being forced into a cold bath and his head held under water, caused his death.
“The court heard evidence of a culture of excessive punishment of Alfie by Scott and Howell.
“Punishment amounted to beating Alfie with a belt and a slider until he was black and blue with bruising. He was often woken in the early hours of the morning and made to stand outside where Scott and Howell threw jugs of cold water over him.”
He said Scott and Howell’s action were nothing less than serious physical and emotional abuse, “inflicting the most cruel and inhumane treatment”.
An NSPCC spokesperson said:
“The suffering that Alfie Steele endured in the months before he died is heart-breaking; a cruel ‘punishment’ regime inflicted by Dirk Howell and Alfie’s mother Carla Scott which culminated in his tragic death.
“It’s vital that a thorough review into the circumstances around Alfie’s death establishes whether more could have been done by professionals to protect this little boy. This is so important because such findings can help prevent future tragedies.
“It’s crucial that everyone does all they can to prevent child abuse.”
Paul Reid of the CPS said:
“As a mother, Carla Scott tragically put her loyalty to her partner above her duty to protect her child. It is a tragedy that Alfie’s life was cruelly taken away by the people who were supposed to love and care for him.
“We hope today’s verdict is a reminder that child abuse will not be tolerated, and that those who choose abuse over compassion can expect to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“Our thoughts are with Alfie’s family at this time.”
Scott, of Vashon Drive in Droitwich, and Howell, of Princip Street in Birmingham, were remanded in custody and will be sentenced on Thursday.