Bradley Thomas, 23, has been jailed for a minimum of 14 years for murdering his three-month-old son Emmerson-Oak Thomas by shaking him with “violence and force” and then delaying emergency calls.
Fatal Injuries and Delayed Response
On October 5 last year, Thomas shook Emmerson-Oak in the early hours, causing fatal injuries. The baby began having difficulty breathing and showed unusual arm movements, but Thomas waited 30 minutes after waking his partner before calling 999. Emmerson was taken to James Cook University Hospital and later transferred to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he died on October 8 at three months and 16 days old.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Teesside Crown Court, Thomas was found guilty of murder. Mr Justice Sheldon KC described Emmerson as “a baby with a lovely smile, who had already brought much joy to the family, and had his whole life ahead of him.” He noted Thomas was sleep-deprived and frustrated when Emmerson would not settle. Thomas initially claimed Emmerson fell off his lap, but evidence showed he shook his son with such force that it caused severe and irreversible brain injuries.
Police and Family Impact
Senior Investigating Officer T/Detective Superintendent Deb Fenny said: “This has been an incredibly distressing and emotive investigation… Thankfully the jury saw through the false account he repeatedly sought to present.” She added that the team remained focused on securing justice for Emmerson-Oak. Thomas, of Grasmere Road in Redcar, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 14 years.
