A man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for causing the death of his three-month-old son by shaking him, which resulted in a fatal “constellation” of injuries including brain damage. Gareth Stark, 38, admitted to the charges of battery and manslaughter at Birmingham Crown Court. The incident occurred on October 12, 2023, following a prior incident where he was caught on CCTV hitting the baby at a KFC outlet in Stafford.
The court heard that Stark, from Stafford, had a history of mental illness and expressed deep remorse for his actions. In a statement, the baby’s mother described the devastating impact of losing her child and the betrayal she felt by Stark, who had previously reassured her of his good intentions. The prosecution emphasized the severity of the injuries inflicted on the infant and the deceptive behavior of Stark in misleading authorities about the circumstances leading to the child’s death.
Despite the lack of intention to cause harm in the earlier incident at KFC, the judge considered it an aggravating factor in the manslaughter case, highlighting a pattern of harmful behavior. The defense lawyer acknowledged Stark’s responsibility and conveyed his sincere apologies to the victim’s family. The prosecution stressed the importance of holding individuals who harm children accountable, ensuring that justice is served.
The sentencing of Gareth Stark aims to provide some solace to the grieving family amid this tragic loss.
