Stepdad claimed he was lifesaver
The man accused of murdering his autistic stepson claimed to have saved the 5-year-old’s life.
Coroner Brigitte Windley began an inquest in Christchurch yesterday into the death of Leon Jayet-Cole, who suffered serious head injuries on May 27, 2015, and died the next day.
His stepfather, James Roberts, was charged with his murder and died in June 2016 awaiting trial.
The inquest yesterday heard a recording of Roberts’ 111 call during which he was instructed on how to resuscitate Leon.
A text Roberts sent to Leon’s mother, Emma, who was married to Roberts, as Leon was taken away by ambulance said: ‘‘Apparently I saved his tiny wee life.’’
Detective Sergeant Chris Power told the inquest Roberts phoned emergency services at 1.34pm on May 27, 2015.
He later told police he heard a bang about 1.25pm when he had been on the phone with Leon’s mother.
However, Roberts called Emma, who was in hospital being checked for pregnancy complications, shortly before 1pm, Power said.
Emma’s midwife overheard Emma referring to a bang and telling Roberts to keep Leon awake.
In other evidence Power said police had found freshly broken plasterboard in Leon’s home.
In a sometimes tearful police interview on the day Leon was injured, which was played to the inquest, Roberts said he picked up Leon from school just after midday and took him home.
While he was on the phone to Emma, Roberts said, he heard a bang like something had hit the floor. He continued talking to Emma and checked on Leon after about five to 10 minutes.
Leon was very pale and his head and hand were at funny angles. He was cold to touch.
Leon had received a bang on the head a week previously and that went through his mind.
He tried to rouse Leon but he did not respond and so he rang 111.
Power told the hearing Leon would sometimes freak out when Roberts picked him up from school. On the day he was injured, Leon appeared to be terrified of Roberts but left holding Roberts’ hand.
The boy went through phases and either loved or hated him, Roberts said during his police interview.
Leon had an autistic brother and four other siblings not all of whom lived with the family.