Bradley Thomas, 23, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 14 years after being found guilty of murdering his three-month-old son, Emmerson-Oak Thomas. The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of October 5 last year at the family home in Redcar.
Fatal Shaking and Delayed Emergency Response
Teesside Crown Court heard that Thomas shook Emmerson with such violence and force that he caused severe and irreversible brain injuries. Despite the baby struggling to breathe and showing unusual arm movements, Thomas delayed calling 999 for 30 minutes after waking his partner. Emmerson was rushed to James Cook University Hospital and later transferred to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he died on October 8, aged just three months and 16 days.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Passing sentence, Mr Justice Sheldon KC described Emmerson as a healthy baby with a lovely smile who had brought much joy to his family. The judge stated that a sleep-deprived Thomas became frustrated when his son would not settle during the night, leading him to shake the baby fatally. Thomas had an arrangement with his partner to handle night feeds while she cared for Emmerson during the day.
During a second police interview, Thomas falsely claimed that Emmerson had fallen from his knee onto the floor after he dozed off on the sofa. He denied shaking his son, but evidence proved otherwise. The judge noted that Thomas expressed remorse for the injuries but consistently failed to tell the truth to those trying to save Emmerson's life.
Police and Family Response
Senior Investigating Officer T/Detective Superintendent Deb Fenny said: "This has been an incredibly distressing and emotive investigation involving the tragic death of a three-month-old baby who should have had his whole life ahead of him. Throughout this investigation, my team remained absolutely focused on securing justice for Emerson-Oak." She added that the jury saw through Thomas's false account and that the outcome ensures he has been held responsible for his actions.
Fenny thanked the first responders, paramedics, detectives, forensic specialists, and the Crown Prosecution Service for their dedication. "Emerson-Oak deserved a voice, and we were determined to ensure his story was heard," she concluded.
