Ex-Boyfriend Found Guilty in Toddler's Manslaughter Case
A woman's former boyfriend has been found guilty of manslaughter for the death of her young son, who passed away two years after a brutal beating that left him with severe brain damage. The tragic case has shocked the community and highlighted the devastating consequences of domestic abuse.
Horrific Abuse and Fatal Injuries
Two-year-old Kol Page was discovered not breathing, with visible bruises on his face and a serious abdominal injury consistent with a stamp or punch when paramedics arrived at the family home on Downham Way in Bromley on April 25, 2022. Medical professionals determined that his internal injuries were so severe that administering sufficient pain medication would have risked his life.
Despite medical intervention, Kol lived for two additional years before succumbing to his injuries on June 29, 2024. The sustained abuse he endured over months was documented through photographs showing progressively worsening injuries, including multiple black eyes and a bald patch where his hair had been torn out.
Court Convictions and Disturbing Evidence
At Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Zoe Coutts, Kol's 35-year-old mother, was convicted of allowing the death of a child. Her then-partner, 36-year-old Scott O'Connor, was found guilty of manslaughter. Both defendants were cleared of murder charges.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed shocking text messages between the couple, where they joked about harming Kol and shared images of his injuries. In one exchange, Coutts messaged O'Connor about Kol "whinging," to which O'Connor replied, "Jesus slap him back to sleep lol."
Critical Delay in Seeking Medical Help
Police investigation uncovered that in the minutes before emergency services were called, Coutts and O'Connor exchanged messages about their hangovers and dinner plans rather than addressing Kol's critical condition. Coutts initially called a friend instead of an ambulance when she realized her son was not breathing.
Medical experts believe this delay in seeking proper medical attention directly contributed to Kol suffering irreversible brain damage. Phone records showed O'Connor had been at the family home 28 times in the month preceding the attack, contradicting the couple's claims to friends and family that Kol's injuries resulted from accidental falls.
Sentencing and Emotional Impact
Both Coutts and O'Connor are scheduled to be sentenced on May 8, 2026. Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn of the Metropolitan Police described Kol as "an innocent little boy who suffered horrific abuse in the place where he should have been safest - at home with his mother."
DCI Blackburn added, "He was boisterous, cheeky and endlessly loving to everyone who knew him. 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." The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children in abusive environments and the legal consequences for those who fail in their protective duties.
