A father shook his baby so violently that the injuries were comparable to 'falling from a third floor window onto concrete'. Little Emmerson-Oak Thomas died three days after the horrifying incident on October 5 last year.
Details of the Case
Bradley Thomas, 23, from Redcar, 'violently shook' his son who would not settle during the night, according to TeesideLive. Thomas was found guilty by a jury at Teesside Crown Court and will be sentenced on July 15.
Thomas's partner gave evidence at the trial, telling the jury that her partner had always been gentle with their son, and she did not believe he could hurt him. She said that her relationship with Thomas, who worked as a window cleaner, was 'near perfect' and that he was happy to do the night feeds.
She told the court that she visits Thomas in prison and they are still a couple. She initially thought he was shouting for her at 5.30 that morning because Emmerson had done something for her to see. But she said that she heard 'terror' in Thomas's voice. Emmerson was limp, pale, and Thomas had recorded a video of his 'raspy breathing'.
Medical Testimony
The mother began CPR and shouted for Thomas to call an ambulance. The little boy was unconscious by the time paramedics arrived. Baby Emmerson died three days later in hospital. He had suffered 'catastrophic brain injuries' which experts testified were 'non accidental'.
One medic told the court that Emmerson's injuries were similar to what might have been caused by falling out of a third floor window onto concrete. He said that it was simply not possible for the baby to suffer bleeding on his brain from falling off his dad's lap onto a carpet, as Thomas had claimed.
In addition to bleeding on his brain, Emmerson suffered bleeding on his spinal cord and to the back of both eyes. Pathologist Dr Jennifer Bolton testified that the injuries were caused by his head being 'vigorously moved backwards and forwards'. A specialist in paediatric ophthalmic pathology found that the bleeding in Emmerson's eyes 'was severe and very characteristic of an abusive head trauma'.
Court Proceedings
Thomas denied ever shaking his son at all. Toby Hedworth, prosecuting, told the jury that Thomas had 'lost self control and become angry' when Emmerson would not take his bottle that night and was 'unsettled' from 2am. It was agreed in court that Thomas was the only person downstairs with Emmerson that night. His partner was upstairs sleeping.
Police found cannabis in the family's Eston home, the jury heard, and Thomas testified that he smoked 'one joint' an evening, outside, when Emmerson was in bed. On Wednesday afternoon, Judge Clive Sheldon thanked the jury for their time on the case, saying: 'We've had difficult evidence to hear but you've carried out your responsibilities with care and consideration'.
Thomas, now of Grasmere Road in Redcar, will be sentenced on July 15. He was remanded into custody until then.
Police Statement
After the sentencing, Detective Superintendent Deb Fenny, from Cleveland Police, said: 'Emmerson-Oak was an innocent three month old child whose life was cruelly and senselessly taken. I am pleased that today we have secured justice on his behalf. This has been an exceptionally complex and deeply distressing investigation, not only because of the nature of the injuries involved, but also due to Emmerson-Oak's age and vulnerability. Throughout, our officers and staff remained steadfast in their commitment to securing justice, demonstrating diligence, professionalism and compassion in the most challenging of circumstances. While no outcome can ever undo the harm caused or bring Emmerson-Oak back to his family, today's verdict ensures that Bradley Thomas is rightly held accountable and will have to live with the consequences of his actions'.
