A father has been sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison for murdering his three-month-old son by throwing him against a hard surface in a fit of anger. Robert Hinz, 34, from Bournemouth, was convicted of the murder of baby Julian and three counts of causing grievous bodily harm following a trial at Winchester Crown Court.
The court heard that on 8 April last year, Julian's mother left him in his cot under his father's care while she went shopping. Fifteen minutes later, Hinz was heard shouting for an ambulance, saying the baby was not breathing. The uncle who was present called emergency services as Hinz performed CPR.
During the 999 call, Hinz could be heard shouting, swearing, and damaging property. Police stopped him from following the ambulance to hospital, believing he had been drinking. Julian died a day later when life support was withdrawn. A pathologist found skull fractures, brain trauma, and fractured ribs caused by squeezing before the fatal injuries.
Prosecutor Nigel Lickley QC said: 'He was feeding normally and was well when his mother left. In a few moments of anger and violence, his father killed him.' Detective Inspector Richard Dixey of Dorset Police described the crime as 'truly appalling' and expressed hope that the conviction would help the family move on. A serious case review is underway to determine if authorities could have done more to prevent the death.
