Tony Bartlett, a 39-year-old former postman, has been found guilty of murdering his four-week-old son, Atticus, by shaking him. The verdict was delivered by a unanimous jury at Bristol Crown Court on July 8, 2026. Bartlett had denied murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter.
Details of the Attack
Atticus Bartlett died on July 23, 2022, after collapsing at his family home in Chard, Somerset. The attack occurred on the evening of July 16, 2022, when Bartlett and his then-partner, Evelyn Ballentyne, Atticus's mother, had gone to a pub and comedy club. During the evening, Bartlett consumed 8.5 pints of lager. Upon returning home, he was left alone to feed Atticus in the living room while Ms Ballentyne went upstairs to change at about 11pm.
Prosecuting, Charles Row KC stated that Bartlett was "drunk and frustrated" when he violently shook Atticus, causing severe internal injuries to the baby's brain and spinal cord. The attack may have lasted only seconds. Atticus also sustained three rib fractures, which could not be attributed to resuscitation efforts.
Evidence and Testimony
During the trial, Ms Ballentyne described coming downstairs and hearing Atticus making two loud gasps as if he was dying. Emergency services were called, and Atticus was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital before being transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. His brain damage was so severe that he did not regain consciousness or breathe on his own. He died just before midnight on July 23, 2022.
Bartlett, appearing by videolink from the dock at Bristol Magistrates' Court, sobbed loudly after the verdict. Members of Atticus's family gasped and wept in the public gallery. The judge, Mr Justice Cavanagh, thanked the jury for their "care and attention" and remarked that they had served "magnificently." He added, "It is clear that you have given this very important case the detailed consideration that it deserves." The judge released the jurors from jury service for the next five years.
Sentencing and Impact
Mr Justice Cavanagh remanded Bartlett into custody to be sentenced on July 24. The judge stated, "There is only one sentence for murder, which is a life sentence. I have to fix a minimum sentence before the defendant can be considered for release." Bartlett, of Axminster, Devon, will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court.
After the hearing, Detective Superintendent Lorett Spierenburg said, "This is a devastating case in which a very young baby has lost his life as the direct result of a violent and cruel act. The loss of Atticus has had a profound effect on all those who loved him. Tony Bartlett was alone with Atticus when he suffered these catastrophic injuries and the medical evidence gathered during the investigation proves he was solely responsible for causing them, despite his claims of innocence. Our thoughts are very much with Atticus's family who've had to endure a lengthy and complex police investigation, followed by a trial. They've shown great dignity and courage throughout."
