A woman and her new partner have been given a combined prison sentence of 27 years after the tragic death of her young son following a period of severe mistreatment.

Zoe Coutts and Scott O’Connor tried to shift blame for toddler Kol Page’s injuries onto the child’s supposed clumsiness before pointing fingers at each other in a desperate attempt to evade accountability. Disturbing text messages were presented in court, including a message from O’Connor joking about slapping the child back to sleep.

O’Connor, aged 36, was convicted of the manslaughter of Kol, while Coutts, aged 35, was found guilty of causing or allowing the death of a child at Southwark Crown Court in March. The incident occurred at their residence in Bromley in April 2022, leading to Kol’s tragic passing at the age of four in June 2024.

Coutts has been sentenced to nine years and 109 days in jail, while O’Connor has received an 18-year custodial sentence with an additional five-year extension. Kol, who was two years old at the time, was discovered unresponsive with bruises and a severe abdominal injury caused by a violent blow.

Despite efforts to save him, Kol’s injuries were too severe for doctors to manage, ultimately leading to his passing at the age of four. Evidence presented during the trial included text messages between Coutts and O’Connor, revealing a callous attitude towards the child’s well-being.

The court heard that the couple went to bed with Kol sleeping in a cot beside them, and when emergency services were called the next morning, it was discovered that Kol had sustained multiple serious injuries. Coutts and O’Connor attempted to cover up the abuse, but diligent detective work exposed the truth behind Kol’s tragic ordeal.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, who led the investigation, expressed the heartbreaking reality that Kol suffered grave abuse in his own home, where he should have been safest. The case deeply impacted all involved, including medical personnel and foster carers who provided care and compassion to Kol during his difficult journey.

Kol’s foster parents shared their emotional experiences, highlighting the pain and suffering the child endured, emphasizing the love and care they provided during his time in their care. The court was moved by their testimony, emphasizing the profound loss of a young life that deserved a brighter future.