Dad watched YouTube video on 'how to do CPR' before calling 999 for toddler son, murder trial hears
26.06.2024 - 20:37
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A dad accused of murdering his two-year-old son watched a YouTube video on how to perform CPR before calling paramedics for his son, a trial has heard.
Daniel Hardcastle, 31, denies murdering his son Damion Russell, who suffered serious injuries while alone in his father's care. Hardcastle had taken on care of the little boy after learning he was a father, and moved to a flat in Central Drive, Blackpool, with the tot. The youngster had been taken into care and Hardcastle was identified as his father and fought to become the child's main carer.
He went through a five month assessment period before setting up home, with the support of his family, social workers and support service 'Dad Matters'. The assessment found Hardcastle to be a 'loving and caring dad' and Damion was 'a delight' whose face lit up when his dad entered the room. In July 2023, Hardcastle was granted parental responsibility and the pair set up home in a ground floor flat in Blackpool, LancsLive reports.
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But in the weeks before Damion was injured, a manager at Haweside Nursery, where the little boy was registered, contacted Children's Services, raising concerns Damion had only attended a small number of sessions. A social worker also tried to contact Hardcastle over concerns he had not taken his son to an occupational therapy appointment. A foster carer, who had looked after the little boy, tried to arrange a visit but got no response from Hardcastle.
A family support worker from Blackpool Council's Children's Safeguarding team also tried to arrange a visit, and said she would call to the flat unannounced if she did not receive