Bartlett will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court later this month
A father who violently shook his four‑week‑old son to death has been found guilty of murder.
Bristol Crown Court heard how medical experts concluded the baby suffered catastrophic head injuries while alone in Tony Bartlett’s care. The 39-year-old, from Axminster in Devon, caused the injuries to baby Atticus during an incident at the family home in Chard.
Bartlett and Atticus’ mother had returned home from a night out on July 16, 2022, to what the court was told was a “fit and healthy” baby, while the mother fed him alone downstairs. However, Atticus’ mother returned from upstairs to find her son looking “lifeless’ and taking his last unassisted breaths. Neighbours and paramedics tried their best to save Atticus, but after being rushed to hospital, he tragically died a week later.
The month-old boy was initially rushed to a hospital in Somerset before being transferred to the Bristol Royal Infirmary. He was recorded as having suffered severe internal injuries to his brain, spinal cord and ribs.
The injuries were in keeping with recent severe head trauma and were “at the most severe end of the spectrum’, the court was told.
“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,” said Senior Investigating Officer, Det Supt Lorett Spierenburg, after the trial found Bartlett guilty.
“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’ family who’ve had to endure a lengthy and complex police investigation, followed by a trial. They’ve shown great dignity and courage throughout.
“Investigations like this are extremely harrowing and I’d like to thank all those who provided evidence and supported our investigation to establish the facts behind Atticus’ tragic death.”
Following a four-week trial at Bristol Crown Court, a jury on Wednesday (July 8) found him guilty of murder. He is due to be sentenced later this month. Bartlett will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday July 24.
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