A man has been found guilty of murdering his two-week-old son in a special care baby unit at Yeovil Hospital in Somerset. Daniel Gunter, 27, caused catastrophic injuries to Brendon Staddon, including a shattered skull and broken neck, while nurses were working less than five metres away. The attack was so swift and silent that staff did not realise what was happening.
Experts testified that the injuries were comparable to those from a fall from a great height. Brendon, born prematurely at 33 weeks, also suffered broken legs, ankles, wrists, and extensive bruising. The attack occurred in the early hours of 5 March 2024. After the assault, both parents left the unit for a cigarette as medical staff tried to save the baby.
Gunter's former partner, Sophie Staddon, 21, was found not guilty of causing or allowing Brendon's death. The prosecution had alleged she must have known the threat Gunter posed. The couple were homeless and living in temporary accommodation. Social services had been considering removing Brendon from their care due to concerns about their ability to raise a child.
Detective Chief Inspector Nadine Partridge of Avon and Somerset Police described Gunter as selfish and noted he laughed and joked during the trial. She said the injuries were the worst she had seen in 22 years of child protection work. Gunter had a history of violence and was controlling towards Staddon, limiting her food, smoking, and social contact.
A child safeguarding practice review will examine whether further measures could have protected Brendon. The court heard that staff had repeatedly told Gunter not to take Brendon from his incubator and had reprimanded him for jiggling and poking the baby. Security was alerted twice due to Gunter's behaviour. The motive for the killing is believed to be Gunter's fear that Staddon might move to a mother and baby unit without him.
