A father from Preston has admitted killing his six-week-old son, who died from a traumatic head injury after being violently shaken. Peter Sayle, aged 32, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Preston Crown Court, ending more than three and a half years of denials regarding the death of his infant son, Huxley Sayle.
Fatal Incident and Hospitalisation
In the early hours of June 14, 2022, Huxley's mother, Livinia Sharples, dialled 999 after finding her son not breathing at their family home in Preston. The baby was rushed to Royal Preston Hospital, where a CT head scan revealed unexplained bleeding in multiple parts of his brain, raising immediate suspicions of a shaking-type injury.
Huxley was subsequently transferred to the intensive care unit at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. Medical reviews indicated that the injuries would have caused immediate symptoms, and the infant never regained consciousness. Treatment was withdrawn on July 14, 2022, leading to his tragic death.
Investigation and Digital Evidence
Police seized digital devices from the family address in Squires Wood, Fulwood, Lancashire. Investigators discovered internet searches on Sayle's devices conducted shortly after Huxley's birth, including phrases such as 'baby crying makes me angry dad', 'I'm getting so angry when baby won't sleep', and 'tips to deal with frustration and anger'.
Sayle was initially arrested on June 17, 2022, but denied any wrongdoing, claiming that injuries might have resulted from performing CPR on Huxley. However, medical experts later concluded that the injuries were inconsistent with CPR and more likely caused by violent shaking.
Medical Findings and Legal Proceedings
A post-mortem examination by Dr Alison Armour established that Huxley's cause of death was a traumatic head injury, with no natural disease contributing to his collapse. The examination also revealed two rib fractures that were deemed inconsistent with CPR, instead suggesting they occurred during forceful gripping or squeezing of the chest during an episode of vigorous shaking.
Sayle was rearrested on suspicion of murder on July 22, 2022, as evidence mounted indicating deliberate harm. Despite further interviews, including one on March 27, 2025, where he denied forcibly shaking Huxley, he ultimately entered a guilty plea to manslaughter, which prosecutors accepted.
Police Response and Sentencing
Following the guilty plea, Det Chief Insp Andy Fallows of Lancashire Constabulary's major investigation team stated, 'I welcome today's manslaughter plea put forward by Peter Sayle. After three and a half years of denials, he has finally admitted that he is responsible for assaulting and causing baby Huxley's death.' He added that the investigation team's relentless focus had been on achieving justice for Huxley, a goal now realised.
Sayle is scheduled to be sentenced this Thursday, February 12, at Preston Crown Court, where the full details of the case will be considered in determining his punishment.
