Mother Jailed for Son's Death After Bumble Date

A mother, Zoe Coutts, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of causing or allowing the death of her two-year-old son, Kol Page. Kol suffered catastrophic injuries, including a torn small bowel and severe abdominal trauma, consistent with a serious road traffic accident or a fall from height. These injuries, inflicted by Coutts' boyfriend, Scott O'Connor, led to severe brain damage and Kol's eventual death on June 29, 2024, over two years after the initial assault in April 2022. O'Connor was sentenced to 18 years for manslaughter. The court heard that Kol was subjected to escalating violence and that Coutts and O'Connor fabricated a series of lies to cover up the abuse, even blaming the child's injuries on his own clumsiness. Despite clear signs of abuse, Coutts failed to protect Kol or seek timely medical attention, even opting to watch a football match while her son was in critical condition.

Kol was discovered by emergency services on April 25, 2022, not breathing and with significant injuries. He lived for two years under the care of foster parents, who described his suffering and their deep bond with him. The judge emphasized that Coutts did not directly inflict the violence but failed to act on obvious signs of abuse. The prosecution highlighted that both individuals denied responsibility and showed no remorse. Kol's foster parents provided moving victim impact statements, detailing his pain and their unwavering love for him. The NSPCC has called it a heartbreaking case, underscoring the vulnerability of young children and the importance of challenging concerning situations to ensure child safety.