Christina Robinson, a 30-year-old mother, has been convicted of murdering her three-year-old son, Dwelaniyah, at their residence in Bracken Court, Durham. The Newcastle Crown Court found Robinson guilty after evidence revealed a prolonged period of abuse leading to the child’s death in November 2022. The boy suffered over 60 injuries, including burns and fatal brain damage, inflicted by his mother, who used a bamboo cane as a weapon and neglected to seek medical treatment for his injuries.

Robinson’s actions, described as a “campaign of violence” against her son, were partly justified by her with references to Bible scripture. Throughout the trial, it emerged that Robinson had a complex personal life, concealing her pregnancy and engaging in online affairs, while distancing herself from her husband.

Despite denying the charges, Robinson admitted to the assault during the 17-day trial, where it was disclosed that she dramatically fired her legal team and chose to represent herself. The jury found her guilty of murder and multiple counts of child cruelty, highlighting a pattern of “sadistic cruelty.”

The case prompted comments on the need to protect vulnerable children, with Detective Chief Inspector Simon Turner from Durham Police describing the abuse as “horrific” and expressing relief at the guilty verdict. Robinson’s sentencing is scheduled for May, with the court recommending she seek legal representation for the proceedings.