I thought we were happy: accused mum

ACCUSED . . . Claire Flanagan

A mum accused of killing her baby daughter along with her boyfriend told police she had no idea her child may have been subjected to violence.

Little Violet Mullen collapsed at her home in Huddersfield Road, Waterhead, on January 12.

It is alleged the tot was subjected to a string of attacks and died after she was forcefully struck, suffering catastrophic internal injuries.

Claire Flanagan (22) is accused of killing her 15-month-old daughter alongside her 28-year-old boyfriend, Gary Alcock. Both deny murder and causing or allowing Violet’s death. Following her arrest after the child’s death, Miss Flanagan was told that Gary Alcock was known to social services because of concerns about domestic violence against a former partner. Manchester Crown Court heard details of her interviews with detectives.

She was asked if she had any idea what was allegedly happening or about to happen to her daughter.

She replied: “I didn’t know anything was going to happen. I thought we were a happy family — that’s what I thought.”

Asked if she ever assaulted Violet, Miss Flanagan told police: “I didn’t do nothing to my daughter.” When questioned about whether she saw any abuse, she replied: “I didn’t see anything while I was there — he’s offered to look after her when I have gone out of the house.”

After the prosecution closed its case, Gary Alcock’s defence case began with the defendant giving evidence. He denied allegations from an ex-girlfriend, Tanya Marshall, who told the court he was controlling and violent.

Mr Alcock said an incident where he was alleged to have dragged Miss Marshall down a street and another where he is accused of holding her at knifepoint “never happened”.

Mr Alcock has a conviction for battery and using violence to gain entry after breaking in to Miss Marshall’s home and assaulting her after they split. He said this was the only time he had been violent towards her, claiming he was an “emotional wreck.”

Proceeding.