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Daniel Pelka murder trial: Mother 'had drink problem' Daniel Pelka: Stepfather 'broke boy's arm in hide-and-seek'
(about 2 hours later)
The stepfather of a four-year-old boy he is accused of murdering has told jurors the boy's mother had an alcohol problem and regularly smoked marijuana. The stepfather of a four-year-old boy he is accused of murdering has told jurors he accidentally broke the child's arm in a game of hide-and-seek.
Daniel Pelka died from a head injury in Coventry in March 2012 after an alleged campaign of "incomprehensible" cruelty. Daniel Pelka died from a head injury in Coventry in March 2012.
His mother Magdelena Luczak, 27, and her partner, Mariusz Krezolek, 33, both from Poland, deny murder.His mother Magdelena Luczak, 27, and her partner, Mariusz Krezolek, 33, both from Poland, deny murder.
Mr Krezolek told Birmingham Crown Court Ms Luczak would shout at Daniel or shake him when she was angry. Mr Krezolek told Birmingham Crown Court he accidentally broke Daniel's arm during the game in January 2011, but denied ever beating him.
The trial has previously heard how Ms Luczak and Mr Krezolek allegedly starved and murdered the boy, who was confirmed dead in the early hours of 3 March after paramedics were called to his home. He admitted smacking Daniel on the hands and bottom.
Boy 'starved'
Mr Krezolek told the court the boy's mother had an alcohol problem, regularly smoked marijuana and would shout at Daniel or shake him when she was angry.
He said she would sometimes hit the boy with a belt.
The trial has previously heard how Ms Luczak and Mr Krezolek allegedly starved and murdered the boy, who was confirmed dead in the early hours of 3 March.
Mr Krezolek, giving evidence through a Polish interpreter, said while Ms Luczak regularly drank alcohol, he would only drink on special occasions.Mr Krezolek, giving evidence through a Polish interpreter, said while Ms Luczak regularly drank alcohol, he would only drink on special occasions.
He told the court she was also a regular smoker of marijuana and said he had moved out a number of times but kept coming back because he had strong feelings for Ms Luczak. He told the court he had moved out a number of times but kept coming back because he had strong feelings for Ms Luczak.
'Cheeky boy'
Mr Krezolek told the court Ms Luczak would "get angry" and "throw things" when she had been drinking.Mr Krezolek told the court Ms Luczak would "get angry" and "throw things" when she had been drinking.
'Explode'
He said Ms Luczak made a number of "false allegations" of assault against him and said he was arrested but never charged.He said Ms Luczak made a number of "false allegations" of assault against him and said he was arrested but never charged.
Mr Krezolek said Ms Luczak, would "sometimes out-of-the-blue explode and cause arguments".Mr Krezolek said Ms Luczak, would "sometimes out-of-the-blue explode and cause arguments".
Mr Krezolek described Daniel as a "cheeky boy", but said he was "completely normal". The court was told by Mr Krezolek that Daniel was a "cheeky boy", but said he was "completely normal".
However, he told the jury that the youngster could be timid when he was taken to a park and did not like to speak to other children. However, he told the jury the youngster could be timid when he was taken to a park and did not like to speak to other children.
He said Daniel said very little in English or Polish. He said Daniel said very little in English or Polish, but that his relationship with Daniel and his sibling was "very good".
He told the court his relationship with Daniel and his sibling was "very good".
The trial continues.The trial continues.