Babysitter guilty of boy's murder

Cook had been babysitting for Charlie for about four months

A teenage babysitter has been found guilty of the murder of a 22-month-old boy in his care.

Joshua Cook, who was 17, sexually abused the toddler before killing him in a "sustained and violent" attack, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Charlie Johnson died from severe head injuries after the assault at his home in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, in May last year.

A jury took just over two hours to unanimously find Cook guilty of murder.

The toddler's family cheered and clapped in the public gallery when the verdict was read out.

I am pleased that justice has been done and hope that today's verdict can bring some closure for Charlie's family Det Ch Insp Alan Carey

In a statement read out by their family liaison officer outside court, they said they felt "immense relief" that Cook had been convicted.

They said: "In court Joshua Cook failed to give an accurate account as to how or why he chose to end Charlie's life.

"Whilst the guilty verdict helps to bring some closure, Cook's failure to account for his actions has left the family with many unanswered questions about what happened to their son.

"Charlie was a bright, happy boy and a joy to be around. He has left a huge gap in the lives of his family, in particular his brother and sister who are struggling to come to terms with life without their baby brother."

Cook, who is now 18, had denied murder but admitted manslaughter and sexual assault.

'Traumatic investigation'

Sentencing was adjourned for six weeks so pre-sentence and psychiatric reports could be prepared.

Cook had been a regular babysitter for Charlie's mother Georgina Fisher for about four months before the attack.

On 16 May, Cook, the son of a friend of Ms Fisher, arrived at her home to look after Charlie for the day.

But later that afternoon, Cook was seen on the street looking agitated and carrying the toddler in a towel.

When his neighbour asked what was wrong, Cook cried: "He's dead. He's dead."

Charlie had a large blood clot over the surface of his brain

Charlie was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary, where he died early the next morning during brain surgery.

A pathologist told the jury that the toddler had a large blood clot over the surface of the brain.

He also discovered extensive bruising to the body, bleeding around the eyes and evidence of sexual assault that would have caused "substantial pain".

Prosecuting barrister Bryan Cox QC told the court that the deeper bruising suggested punching, kicking or "violent shaking".

After the hearing, Det Ch Insp Alan Carey, from North Yorkshire Police, said: "I am pleased that justice has been done and hope that today's verdict can bring some closure for Charlie's family and they can now grieve properly for their little boy.

"Although I know that they will find it difficult to ever come to terms with his death, our thoughts remain with them after what has been a distressing and traumatic investigation for everyone involved."