A father has been found guilty of murdering his four-week-old son by violently shaking him after drinking eight and a half pints of beer. Tony Bartlett, 39, caused injuries comparable to those seen in high-speed traffic accidents or falls from a multi-storey building, according to medical experts.
The incident occurred at the family home in Chard, Somerset, on July 16, 2022. Bartlett had been out with his partner, Evelyn Ballentyne, while her parents babysat Atticus. Upon returning home, Ballentyne went upstairs, leaving Bartlett alone with the baby. Minutes later, she heard Atticus make choking sounds and found him unresponsive.
Despite initial denials, Bartlett later admitted he may have mishandled the baby while drunk. A paediatric neurosurgeon testified that Atticus suffered severe head trauma, with veins in his skull stretched and broken. The baby also had three rib fractures. He died in hospital seven days later.
Following a four-week trial at Bristol Crown Court, Bartlett was convicted of murder. As the verdict was read, he held his head in his hands and cried. Ballentyne, who was originally arrested but not charged, gave evidence against him.
Prosecutor Charles Row KC described the killing as a 'moment of pure violence', fuelled by alcohol. Bartlett will be sentenced at a later date.
