Her husband replied: “You are not an abusive parent, baby. Not at all. Do not say that. I think it’s more or less f —– to handle. “It simply came to our notice then. I do not want you to have a mental breakdown. “You are more important to me than him.” The Castles had been selected earlier by an adoption committee following an application process overseen by the Cumbria Department of Child Services, the court heard. In November 2020, a social worker reported from a legal visit about her concerns that Laura Castle had said she did not love Leiland-James and that he “did not like standing”, was “lazy” and “big”. A review of the site was carried out the following month and the Castles were informed that the local authority would not support an application for permanent adoption unless further treatment was carried out.
“Disappointment turned into hostility”
However, the couple remained determined to proceed with the process, was informed in court, and a care planning meeting with social workers for the new year was proposed. Mr Brady told jurors that Laura Castle had pleaded guilty to Leiland-James’s murder, but did not admit that he intended to cause him serious harm or kill him. He said: “It is the case of the Crown that has been set against a backdrop of frustration due to extremely stressful domestic situations – including financial difficulties and inability to commit to Leiland-James – Laura Castle’s frustration with Leiland-James has turned into hostility, as is proven by her physical abuse, culminating in his murder “. The prosecutor said that the doctor Dr Alison Armor, who conducted the post-mortem examination, believed that the degree of force required to cause serious head injuries was “significant”. He said he believed most of the injuries were consistent with an attack and that the bruises on the head and face were consistent with slapping, gripping, stinging, pushing and piercing. Laura Castle denies murder and child cruelty. Scott Castle denies causing or allowing Leiland-James’s death and also child cruelty. The trial was adjourned until next Tuesday.
