Yeah, I'll try do updates if there are any. Don't think the YEP are great for court coverage though.
18:22KEY EVENT
Day two: Mother of starving 6st teenager ‘not bothered’ by her son's death
Jordan Burling (Image: West Yorkshire Police)
It’s day two of the trial. Attending paramedics and police officers who searched the house have taken to the witness box to give evidence.
Here’s a round-up of what jurors heard today.
Bridget Shepherd from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service told the jury:
PC Ben McNamara told the jury:
- Mr Burling seemed “very, very pale and very emaciated” when an ambulance arrived and he went into a cardiac arrest minutes later
- “[Dawn Cranston] did not seem to be bothered about what was going on. She did not seem to be in shock.”
- Despite paramedics spending around 50 minutes trying to revive him, Mr Burling passed away as a result of acute bronchopneumonia
It seemed like a strange thing to say at such a tragic time, and I was surprised by everybody’s emotion towards the death at the time
- The first thing that the mother asked him when he arrived at her home - the scene of her son’s death hours earlier - was: “How much does a funeral cost?”
PC Emma Robson told the jury:
- Dawn Cranston told him that she was not aware she was pregnant with Mr Burling until the point of childbirth and got the impression that the three defendants each had “some sort of learning difficulty or mental health issue”.
One thing that really stuck out, because it seemed so out of place, was Dawn Cranston saying: ‘I used to be able to say I had a son and a daughter, now I can only say that I have a daughter’.
- Dawn Cranston seemed concerned about how she would get refunds for “American food” and a zimmer-frame she had purchased for him
Copy from PA reporter
- She overheard Abigail Burling telling her mother: “Oh no mum, he will be gutted that he missed the Nerf guns, they will be in Happy Meals soon.”
The trial continues tomorrow (Friday) when Steven Burling, Jordan, Abigail and what is ‘almost certainly’ the baby’s father, will take to the witness box. We’ll be back to bringing you updates live from the courtroom then.
16:06
Jury sent home
The jury have been sent home until 10.45am tomorrow.
16:04
Mum ‘failed to care for children’
Mr Lumley has revealed that the boys’ mother also had abortions.
He said:
Dawn Cranston would, obviously, have known that she was pregnant.
Medical records show that, over the years, Dawn Cranston had terminations to deal with unwanted pregnancies.
She carried this child for 9 months and whether it was still-born or alive she did not call for any medical help at the time of its birth or at any later stage.
That shows a tendency, a propensity, for failing to care for children in a way which we have seen so clearly in Jordan’s case.
16:03
Baby’s bones found in bag of liquid
The jury are being told about another tragic part of the case.
Mr Lumley said: “In the time after Jordan’s death, his home was searched by the police.
“Within what would have been Jordan’s bedroom, the police found a small rucksack, within which were plastic bags inside plastic bags inside plastic bags.”
As the police handled the rucksack, taking it down from the place where it would have been, a rancid smelling liquid began to seep from the layers of bags.
Amongst the liquid were tiny bones. All that remained of a baby boy.
He added: “The baby’s parents were, almost certainly on DNA evidence, Dawn Cranston and Steven Burling, Jordan and Abigail’s father.
“That baby boy had gone full term within the womb, but whether he was born alive or dead could not be established.”
Dawn Cranston has already pleaded guilty to endeavouring to conceal the birth of a child between January 1992 and June 2016.
15:55
Prosecutor outlines defendants’ defence
Mr Lumley said: “Dawn Cranston, when interviewed by the police and given ample opportunity to tell her side of the story, said nothing.
“In the intervening months since the death of her son, in her house, in her care, she has singularly failed to advance any positive case, to offer any explanation for what happened.
“Denise Cranston accepted that she was involved in Jordan’s care.
“What else could she do?”
She said that his treatment was appropriate. She said that he was not neglected. She said that Jordan was stubborn and would not have accepted medical help.
“Abigail Burling denied having responsibility for Jordan’s care.”
15:53
Teenager's condition was 'like a concentration camp victim'
Mr Lumley has described Mr Burling’s life.
He said: “We do not pretend that Jordan Burling had an especially healthy or happy life, even in his early years.
“As a young boy, Jordan went to the local primary school, where he soiled himself and defecated on the floor.
“He had head lice and his teeth were in a very poor state.
“Jordan went on to Farnley Park High School, but after a couple of terms, his mother wrote to the local authority, telling them that she intended to school Jordan at home.
“He never attended school or college again, never took any examinations or achieved any qualifications.
“Nor did he ever work, as far as can be ascertained.
“From the time Jordan was taken out of school, he became increasingly anonymous.
“Education and social services played little part in his life.”
He also said that an expert dietician will say that his condition was similar to that found in WW2 extermination camps.
15:50
Jury shown photos of teenager
The jury have been shown photos of Mr Burling.
Mr Lumley told the jury: “Images of JB as a younger boy, a teenager even, show him to be smiling and, apparently, well-fed.
“But over time, his appearance became more concerning.
“Bizarrely, those closest to him must have taken photos of him as he began to deteriorate.
In the weeks before he died, he was beyond being able to care for himself.
He must have barely been fed.
“He must have barely moved; there were ‘bed sores’, pressure sores of a severity which hadn’t been seen in the many years experience of those who later reviewed his condition.
“For reasons which may never be understood, Jordan had been allowed to decay, to rot to death, by those closest to him, over a period of, at least, several weeks.”
15:26
Prosecutor describes disturbing scene
Mr Lumley said:
What met the eyes of the paramedics was a shocking and disturbing scene.
Jordan was lying, utterly helpless, on an inflatable mattress in a cluttered living room.
He was little more than skin and bones.
He weighed 37kg, less than 6 stones.
He wore a soiled nappy under some pyjamas.
Mr Burling was born on July 4, 1997 and died in June 2016.
15:24
Mum’s 999 call played to jury
A recording of Dawn Cranston’s 999 call has been played to the jury. She started crying in the dock as it was played.
She told the call handler:
What it is - my son has been poorly for a few months. He is having problems breathing.
She also said: “He is not responding to us.”
She was then asked if her son was awake and could be heard replying: “We don’t know.”
At one point, she apologised to the call handler for the untidiness that the paramedics were about to see in the house and laughed.
Mr Lumley said: “As that conversation was taking place, an ambulance was dispatched to the house and arrived within minutes.
“The paramedics were, through no fault of theirs, late.
“By many months.
“The fault lies with each of the accused.”
15:20KEY EVENT
Day one: Teenager found dead after a 999 call
Nicholas Lumley QC, prosecuting, is opening the trial now.
He said: “Nearly two years ago now, Dawn Cranston telephoned the ambulance service one morning because she was, she said, concerned that her son was not very well.
“She was talking about Jordan Burling, then 18.
“He lived with his mother and grandmother at a house in Farnley.
“Jordan’s sister, then 23, lived nearby but spent much of her time at the family home.
“Each of those women is in the dock.
“Jordan’s father also lived in the area but did not play any meaningful part in his life.”
15:19
Jury sworn in
A jury of seven men and five women have been sworn in, along with two spare male jurors who will likely be discharged later this week.
12:10SAMANTHA GILDEA
Father last saw Jordan six months before his death
The judge has said that Steven Burling had the opportunity during the break to have his statement read to him by a police officer helping him.
Stephen Burling has now said that the last time he seen his son was in town with Abigail and her daughter Laura around Christmas 2015 - six months before his death.
Mr Lumley is continuing his questioning.
How did you arrange to see them that time?
I rung Abby.
How did Jordan look?
He looked alright.
Have you got things mixed up in your mind?
Last time I saw him he came up to the house and he was short of breath.
When was that, before Christmas 2015?
Yeah.
Was he on his own?
Abigail was there, just Abigail.
You said he was short of breath?
He looked pale.
You pointed to your cheeks there. He was drawn in a little bit?
I asked him if he was alright and said he must have been something he ate.
12:19SAMANTHA GILDEA
'Tell your mum to get him to the doctors'
Steven Burling continues giving evidence
One time when you saw him he looked quite chubby.
He still looked a bit chubby when I saw him, he was just drawn in the face as if you got flu or something, there was no colour to his face.
Can you describe his breathing?
Heavy like he had a chest thingy. That’s why I said have you got a cold or something, a cough, and to get to the doctors.
Where did that conversation take place?
At my dad’s.
And when he told you he had eaten something?
That might have been outside the house. I asked him if he was alright when I was walking to the bus stop. That’s when I said to Jordan and Abby, especially Abby, tell your mum to get him to the doctors and make sure he goes to the doctors.
Who was he living with as far as you knew?
His grandparents, Carl, Abby before she had Laura because they were staying at the house. Once Abby had Laura she got her own place.
After that time at the bus stop, did you see him again?
No.
Did you see Abby again?
She came up with Laura.
Was that once or more than once?
A couple of times. I can’t remember how many times but more than once.
Did you talk about Jordan?
I mentioned Jordan to Abigail and did he go to the doctors.
And what did she say?
She said he was fine . . . and then I just walked around with Abby and Laura. I didn’t ask anymore about him.
Did Dawn ever tell you about any health problems Jordan had?
No.
12:21SAMANTHA GILDEA
Father contacted his daughter Abby after being told of Jordan's death
Did some police officers come and tell you that Jordan had died?
One police officer.
Did you make any contact with Abigail or Dawn after that?
After I got told by a police woman that my son passed away, I got in contact with Abigail after that. I can’t remember how many days or whatever, but I got in contact with her.
Why did you get in contact with her?
See if she was alright.
Did you see Abby or Dawn again?
I saw Abby in town and Dawn was there with Abigail.
Was that a chance meeting or did you arrange to meet?
I arranged to meet Abby, but Dawn was there as well.
Do you remember where you met?
I think it was outside The Light.
How long after you had this news about Jordan did you meet at The Light?
I can’t remember how long.
How was Dawn when you saw her?
Upset.
Did you ask her anything about Jordan?
I asked her if she was alright, I didn’t ask her about Jordan because I knew she looked upset.
Did you ever speak to Dawn again about what had happened?
I didn’t want to push it because she was upset and I didn’t want to ask what went on.
12:25SAMANTHA GILDEA
Steven and Dawn had unprotected sex after separation
Going back in time a little please, I’d just like to ask you about after you separated from Dawn, whether there were any times when you and her got back together again?
Yes, there were.
Did that happen once or more than once?
I’m not certain.
Tell us about the time you can remember.
In what way?
How long after you separated do you think you saw her again?
[unintelligible] I saw her a couple of times after then we split up, that was it.
Did you and her have sex after you split up?
Yes.
Do you remember where that happened?
We went away away with Jordan and Abigail and stayed in a B&B in Scarborough or Bridlington.
How long were you away?
Probably two nights, like a short break. I can’t remember how many nights.
During that time together, did you and Dawn have sex?
Yes.
Did you use any contraception?
No.
Do you know whether she became pregnant?
No.
Do you remember any time when you and Dawn were together and she was pregnant and you didn’t have a baby?
There were one time.
Was that before or after Abigail was born?
It might have been after Abby was born I think.
What about before or after Jordan was born?
After Jordan.
So she became pregnant and what happened then?
Dawn told me that she got told by doctors that she terminated it. It was between her or the baby. That’s what she said to me.
In order to save her life, she had to have a termination?
Yes.
Do you remember where that happened?
I don’t remember where that happened, but we went and stayed in a B&B overnight then came back on a coach. I can’t remember the place.
It wasn’t in Leeds?
No, it wasn’t in Leeds.
12:25SAMANTHA GILDEA
Father's evidence in chief finished
Mr Lumley has finished his questioning now.
There will be a 10 minute break then Steven Burling will be cross-examined by the defence.
15:11SAMANTHA GILDEA
Jordan's aunt gives evidence
Stephen Burling’s sister Sandra Burling is giving her evidence in chief now.Mr Lumley is questioning her:
In 2015, did you live with Steven and your dad in Seacroft?
Yes.
Through Stephen did you know Jordan?
Yes.
When was the last time that you saw Jordan?
2015.
Do you remember what time of year?
Before Christmas - it was November or December.
Where did you see him?
He came to my house.
Did he come on his own?
No.
Who did he come with?He came with his sister, my niece Abigail - and her daughter Laura.
Had you seen him before at your house?
Yes.
How many times?
Three or four occasions in the months before.
Did he come alone or with someone else?
With Abigail.
How did he look?
Stocky. He would be very chatty and bubbly.
What about before Christmas 2015?
He had lost a lot of weight. He had a big coat on him which was three or four sizes too big. He looked very ill. His skin was quite tight to his face and he looked gaunt.
I didn’t quite catch that - did you mention the colour of his skin?
It was shallow and gray-ish.
15:19SAMANTHA GILDEA
Sandra Burling’s evidence continues
Sandra Burling’s evidence continues
Did you ask him a bout why he was as he was?
Yes, I said ‘have you been ill? What’s the matter with you? You don’t look well’.
Was Abigail in the room when you said that?
Yes.
What did Jordan say in response?He said he had eaten something that didn’t agree with him and he had been sick.
Did Abigail say anything?
No.
Was there any other discussion inside the living room that you remember that day?
I can’t remember to be honest.
Did he say what he had been eating?
No.
Did anybody say anything about what he had been eating?
Not that I can recall.
You gave a statement to the police in September 2016. I would just like to remind you about a line in your witness statement to the police and ask you if it is accurate. ‘Abigail was there when I spoke to Jordan. She didn’t say anything about how ill he was but I recall she said something about him eating too much junk food and crisps.’
Yes, I do recall that now.
15:26SAMANTHA GILDEA
Dawn told her Jordan was depressed
Mr Lumley is asking about a conversation Ms Burling had with Dawn Cranston in Ms Burling’s house. She said that Jordan’s mum told her that he was really depressed, he was 18 and wouldn’t listen to anybody.
Did you know what she was angry about?
She knew Steven had given a statement the day before.
Did she say anything else about the police?
Yes that they hadn’t talked to her and she thought they were pushing her aside. She kept going on about a phone they had given her to replace hers. They had taken her phone away and given her another phone.
Was there any mention of Jordan?
No.
How did you respond?
I tried to calm her down, said they’ve got a job to do, they will talk to you when they’re ready, there’s an investigation to get through.
Did she say anything to that?
She kept saying she wasn’t a bad mother. Obviously I hadn’t said anything about that.
Did she say anything else?
She went into a conversation about watching Jordan’s leg move and then not move.
Did she say anything else about that?
No.
15:56SAMANTHA GILDEA
Sandra Burling cross-examined
Mr Wright, Abigail’s barrister, is cross-examining Ms Burling about a conversation in which her niece Abigail told her about her nephew Jordan eating junk food and the family considering getting him a walking frame.
You described when Dawn and Abigail had been to the house and you were walking back to the bus stop and Abigail was talking to you about Jordan, his condition and so on. Is this fair - that was probably more information than anyone had given you?
Yes, it was a big shock.
It was more information than Dawn had given you?
Yes.
Dawn shot Abigail a look then Abigail clammed up?
Yes.
When she was able to talk to you freely, she wanted to talk to you?
Yes.
Yeah, very grim.
