Tragic Death of Four-Year-Old Boy After Injuries Linked to Text Messages About Slapping
A Southwark Crown Court jury has heard disturbing details about the death of four-year-old Kol Page, whose mother and her then-boyfriend allegedly exchanged text messages discussing slapping the child before he suffered fatal injuries. The court heard that Scott O'Connor, 36, texted Zoe Coutts, 35, saying "Jesus slap him back to sleep lol" just days before Kol sustained injuries that ultimately led to his death in June 2024.
Prosecution Details Escalating Bruising and Fatal Blow
Prosecutor Ed Vickers KC told the court that Kol's injuries were sustained over multiple days in April 2022 while he was in the care of both defendants. The fatal incident culminated in one or more blows to his abdomen in the early morning of April 25, 2022. Medical evidence confirmed that Kol's death in 2024 directly resulted from these injuries, with the prosecution asserting that both Coutts and O'Connor bear responsibility.
"The prosecution say that when you look at all the evidence in the case, you can be sure that the two people in the dock, Zoe Coutts and Scott O'Connor, are responsible for Kol Page's death," Mr Vickers stated during the trial proceedings.
Text Messages Reveal Attitude Toward Child Discipline
The prosecution presented text message exchanges between the defendants as evidence of their approach to disciplining the young child. On April 20, 2022, Coutts messaged O'Connor about Kol "whinging" upon waking. O'Connor responded with the "slap him back to sleep" text, to which Coutts replied "lol we went bk to sleep for a bit." O'Connor then added: "Yeah he needs to learn not to latch and hang off you lol and whine lol can't take it lol."
These messages emerged as part of a pattern of escalating bruising observed on Kol throughout March and April 2022. The court heard that on April 9, 2022, Kol was photographed and videoed with two black eyes, indicating increasing severity of injuries during this period.
Timeline of Events Leading to Fatal Injuries
The prosecution detailed the defendants' living arrangements during the critical period. Between March 11 and March 25, 2022, O'Connor was present at Coutts' home on eleven occasions, staying overnight at least seven times. It was during March that multiple bruises were first observed on Kol.
After Coutts moved to Bromley on March 25, O'Connor visited the new address twenty-eight times between then and April 25, staying overnight on sixteen occasions. The fatal incident occurred on April 25, when emergency services were called after Kol became unconscious.
Conflicting Accounts and Medical Evidence
Paramedics arriving at the scene received conflicting information from Coutts, who initially claimed Kol had fallen from a highchair but later changed her story to police, saying he was fine before she went to get a snack and found him unconscious. Kol was rushed to hospital where surgeons discovered three injuries to his small bowel.
Medical experts testified that the abdominal injury resulted from significant force to the front of the abdomen, consistent with a punch, kick, or stamp. Both defendants were subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.
Defendants' Explanations and Legal Charges
During police interviews, Coutts described Kol as an active child who bruised easily from running and climbing, claiming she was unaware of the extent of his bruises. O'Connor suggested the injuries resulted from Kol being "very clumsy" and "always hurting himself."
Mr Vickers countered these explanations, stating: "The prosecution's case is that although it is not possible to say which of the two defendants delivered the blow or blows to Kol's abdomen, both of them have criminal responsibility." He added that this represents a case of joint enterprise.
Zoe Coutts of Kent and Scott O'Connor of south-east London both face charges of murder and the alternative charge of causing or allowing the death of a child. They have entered not guilty pleas to all charges as the trial continues at Southwark Crown Court.
