Alfie Steele Killer Denied Permission to Appeal Murder Conviction

Dirk Howell, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his partner’s son, Alfie Steele, has been denied permission to appeal his conviction. The Court of Appeal judges upheld the original verdict, confirming that Howell will remain in custody for at least 32 years.

Alfie Steele, aged nine, suffered a tragic death on February 18, 2021. The court heard that Alfie endured severe abuse, including being beaten with a leather belt and forcibly held down in a cold bath. The boy was discovered with 50 injuries covering his body at the family home in Droitwich, Worcestershire.

Alfie’s mother, Carla Scott, was found guilty of manslaughter and child cruelty, while Howell was convicted of murder. During the six-week trial, evidence revealed that Alfie had been routinely deprived of food and subjected to cruel and sinister punishments such as being locked outside in cold weather and made to stand in a rigid, statue-like pose.

At sentencing at Coventry Crown Court in June 2023, Mr Justice Wall noted Howell’s claim that Alfie had an epileptic seizure and fell asleep in the bath. However, this defense was dismissed by the jury.

In the Court of Appeal hearing in London, Lord Justice Green, alongside Mr Justice Jay and Mr Justice Johnson, considered Howell’s arguments that the cause of Alfie’s death was uncertain and that epilepsy could not be definitively ruled out. Howell also alleged corrupt dealings between police and carers and that his legal representation was improper and unfair.

The judges rejected these claims, emphasizing that a previous Court of Appeal judge had thoroughly examined these issues and found them to have been appropriately considered by the jury. Lord Justice Green concluded, “We unreservedly agree with the conclusions of the single judge that the grounds for appeal are unarguable. The application for permission to appeal is refused.”