Alfie Phillips murder trial: Accused unaware that toddler was injured - court

A man accused of killing his partner's 18-month-old son has told a court he did not know how he was injured in the hours before his death.

Alfie Phillips died on 28 November 2020 with multiple bruises and fractures, Maidstone Crown Court has heard.

His mother Sian Hedges, 27, and her former partner Jack Benham, 35, deny murdering the boy in a caravan in Kent.

The prosecution alleges Alfie lay dying as the couple were drinking alcohol, but Mr Benham said: "He was fine."

Ms Hedges, of Yelverton, Devon, and Mr Benham are accused of killing Alfie overnight in Benham's caravan in Hernhill, near Faversham.

Jurors have heard Alfie died with over 70 visible wounds - including human bite marks - and many more internal injuries.

Prosecuting, Jennifer Knight KC cross-examined Mr Benham and said: "You were last seen by family going into the caravan at about 8pm. In the hours that follow, Alfie is assaulted so seriously that by the morning he is dead."

She said Alfie's left toe could have been broken by being bitten and asked who did it. Mr Benham answered: "Don't know."

Asked who applied a "crushing force" to his right toe, Mr Benham replied: "Not me."

When Ms Knight asked: "It was you or Sian, wasn't it", he replied: "Yes."

Mr Benham told jurors he had no idea how Alfie's left leg was broken, or how his arms were broken, or how he suffered bruises and abrasions to his torso.

Asked what Alfie was repeatedly hit around the head with, Mr Benham replied: "I haven't got a clue."

Ms Knight said: "You were in the space where all these things happened. Alfie didn't want to settle did he? You and Sian were intent on drinking and taking drugs. You bit him. Both of you.

"He cried louder and louder and you two had to do more and more to subdue him. One of you put a hand or an object on his mouth."

Mr Benham replied: "Alfie did not cry from the time we started drinking."

Ms Knight said: "He was not just quiet or sleeping, he was dying in those hours. And in the morning he was dead. You two had assaulted him. You were both a part of it. You either did it or you stood by and let it happen. You know that. You two are both responsible."

Mr Benham answered: "You are far from what's right. Alfie did not scream. He was fine."

The trial continues.