A father has been jailed for a minimum of 21 years for murdering his three-month-old son by hurling the infant “vigorously” against a hard surface in a fit of temper. Robert Hinz, 34, of Bournemouth, was convicted of the murder of baby Julian and three counts of causing grievous bodily harm after a 12-day trial at Winchester Crown Court.
The trial heard that on 8 April last year, Julian’s mother left him in his cot in the care of his father while she went shopping. Fifteen minutes later, Hinz was heard shouting for an ambulance. The child died a day later when doctors turned off his life support. A pathologist found skull fractures, brain trauma, and fractured ribs inflicted by squeezing before the fatal injuries.
Nigel Lickley QC, prosecuting, told jurors: “He was feeding normally and was well when his mother left. In a few moments of anger and violence, his father killed him.” A serious case review is underway to determine whether authorities could have done more to prevent the death.
Detective Inspector Richard Dixey of Dorset Police said: “This was a truly appalling crime. Robert Hinz was unable to control his anger and aggression and this cost Julian his life.”
