Father Convicted of Murdering Infant Son
Tony Bartlett, a 39-year-old postman from Axminster in Devon, has been found guilty of murder after shaking his four-week-old baby son Atticus to death. The verdict was delivered by a jury at Bristol Crown Court following a four-week trial.
Details of the Incident
The court heard that on the night of the incident, Bartlett and his ex-partner Evelyn Ballentyne, Atticus's mother, had gone to a pub and comedy club for their first evening out since the baby's birth. Ballentyne's mother, Rachel Donovan, and her husband Andrew were babysitting at the family home in Chard, Somerset. Bartlett consumed 8.5 pints of beer before returning home just before 11pm with Ballentyne.
Prosecutor Charles Row KC told the trial that Bartlett's "loss of temper and frustration" was "almost certainly fuelled" by the alcohol he had consumed. Bartlett inflicted severe injuries on Atticus by shaking him, causing internal trauma to the brain and spinal cord. The baby died in hospital seven days later. Additionally, the tot sustained three rib fractures that could not be attributed to resuscitation efforts.
Trial and Verdict
Bartlett denied both charges of manslaughter and murder. As the verdict was read out, he clasped his head in his hands and bent down crying. He will be sentenced later this month. Evelyn Ballentyne was originally arrested but treated as a witness and not charged with any criminal offence. She gave evidence at Bartlett's trial.
Impact and Aftermath
The case highlights the devastating consequences of losing control with an infant. According to the prosecution, Bartlett's actions were driven by frustration and alcohol impairment. The jury's conviction underscores the severity of the crime, and the sentencing will follow shortly.
