The first photographs have been released of a father accused of killing his newborn baby by shaking him. Tony Bartlett, 39, is alleged to have caused fatal injuries to his four-week-old son, Atticus, who died in hospital after collapsing at the family home in Chard on July 16, 2022.
Court Appearance
Bartlett, a postman from Axminster, Devon, was pictured arriving at Bristol Crown Court on July 17 as his trial continues. He denies charges of murder and manslaughter relating to Atticus's death from brain injuries.
Allegations
The prosecution alleges that Bartlett shook Atticus while alone with him. Earlier that evening, Atticus had been cared for by his grandmother, Rachel Donovan, and her husband, Andrew, while Bartlett and his partner, Ms. Ballentyne, went to a pub and comedy club. The trial heard that Bartlett consumed up to nine pints of beer and was left to feed Atticus around 11pm while Ms. Ballentyne went upstairs to change. It is alleged that during this time, Bartlett violently shook Atticus, causing severe internal injuries to his brain and spinal cord. Several of Atticus's ribs were also cracked.
Medical Response
Atticus was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton and later transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. His brain damage was so severe that he could not breathe independently and never regained consciousness. He tragically died just before midnight on July 23, 2022.
Witness Testimony
Ms. Ballentyne gave evidence, describing how she came downstairs to find her baby floppy and grey in color, lying face down on Bartlett's knees. Representing Bartlett, Nigel Power KC suggested that Ms. Ballentyne had sought to “minimise” her actions, which she denied. When asked, “Tony didn’t do anything to harm Atticus, did he?” Ms. Ballentyne replied, “Yes he did.”
Bartlett continues to deny the two charges against him, and the trial is ongoing.
