Man cries as he recalls death of Birmingham toddler

A man accused of murdering his partner's two-year-old boy cried as he recalled the moments leading up to the toddler's death.

Giving evidence at Birmingham Crown Court, Luke Southerton wiped away tears as he described to the jury how two-year-old Keanu Williams was discovered not breathing at his home.

The toddler was allegedly beaten to death by Luke Southerton and the boy's mother, Rebecca Shuttleworth, in January 2011.

Mr Southerton was asked a series of questions by his defence barrister: "Did you murder Keanu Williams?" He replied "No, I didn't." "Did you assault him?" he was asked. "No, I didn't," he told the jury. "Is there any truth in the prosecution's claim that you and Rebecca Shuttleworth were acting together?" "No," he replied.

During cross-examination, Mr Southerton was asked if he had ever seen Rebecca Shuttleworth hit or abuse her son. He replied he hadn't. "What was her relationship like with Keanu?" Mr Southerton said "she loved him to bits."

Luke Southerton and Rebecca Shuttleworth deny all the charges. The trial is adjourned until Friday.