Jurors have listened to the 999-call made by a man accused of murdering a toddler left in his care.

Christopher Stockton called emergency services when Charlie Roberts became seriously ill just minutes after his mother left for an optician’s appointment.

The jury at Teesside Crown Court listened to the recording where the accused can be heard saying that Charlie wasn’t breathing properly after he had choked on something.

Christopher Stockton, left, with Charlie Roberts and his mother, PaulaChristopher Stockton, left, with Charlie Roberts and his mother, Paula (Image: Facebook)

Charlie died the day after the incident at their home in Frosterley Drive, Darlington, on Friday, January 12, which left him critically injured.

Jurors had heard how there was no evidence of anything being stuck in the toddler’s airways and hospital medics were soon able to identify the cause of Charlie’s ailing health.

Stockton denies murdering the toddler.

Earlier in the trial, Nicholas Lumley KC, prosecuting, said "The charge of murder requires the prosecution to prove that Christopher Stockton caused Charlie’s death and that, in shaking or throwing him in the way he must have done, he intended to cause Charlie really serious harm.

"It may well be that he intended, at that moment, to kill Charlie but the prosecution does not need to prove that.

"Christopher Stockton’s case is that he simply did not cause Charlie’s death.

The 38-year-old and the child’s mother, 41-year-old Roberts, are both charged with neglect. The pair both deny the charge.

Stockton, of Neasham Road, Darlington, remains remanded in custody while Roberts, of Darlington, has been released on conditional bail during proceedings.

The trial continues.