When eight-year-old “Cole” arrived at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, he was in a state of extreme starvation and was suffering burns to his head and face from boiling water being poured over him — punishment for eating without permission.

Court heard that most of the abuse was committed by Stephanie Alisha Baker, the victim’s stepmother. But Scott was aware, witnessed the assaults, starvation and neglect and sometimes participated, according to an agreed statement of facts (ASF).

Two neighbours, mothers of children who played with Cole, noticed the starving, abused boy and tried to help.

Both women called police and child and family services in May 2023 but Cole was not removed from Baker and Scott’s care until his hospitalization four months later.