A man has been found guilty of murder for causing fatal injuries to his four-week-old infant by shaking him. Tony Bartlett, aged 39 and residing in Axminster, Devon, was convicted of the violent act that led to the death of his son, Atticus, at their home in Chard. The incident resulted in severe internal injuries to Atticus’ brain and spinal cord, ultimately leading to his passing in a hospital a week later. Additionally, the infant suffered three rib fractures unrelated to resuscitation attempts.
Following a four-week trial at Bristol Crown Court, a jury reached a verdict of murder against Bartlett, who will face sentencing later this month. Despite denying accusations of both manslaughter and murder, Bartlett displayed visible distress upon hearing the court’s decision. Notably, his former partner, Evelyn Ballentyne, who is Atticus’ mother, was initially taken into custody but later treated as a witness without facing criminal charges. She provided testimony during Bartlett’s trial.
Evidence presented during the trial highlighted that Bartlett and Ballentyne had gone out for the first time since Atticus’ birth, leaving the baby in the care of Ballentyne’s parents at their residence in Chard, Somerset. Bartlett reportedly consumed a significant amount of alcohol before returning home with Ballentyne. The prosecution argued that Bartlett’s excessive drinking likely contributed to his loss of control and subsequent violent actions towards Atticus.
In a tragic turn of events, Atticus began experiencing distress while under Bartlett’s care on the night of the incident, prompting Ballentyne’s return downstairs. She discovered her son in a critical state, leading to frantic efforts to revive him before seeking assistance from neighbors and emergency services. Medical experts later described the extent of Atticus’ injuries as comparable to those seen in high-impact accidents, emphasizing the severity of the trauma inflicted upon the infant.
Bartlett’s conflicting statements to authorities, initially denying any wrongdoing but later admitting to mishandling Atticus while under the influence of alcohol, further complicated the case. Despite Ballentyne’s initial belief in Bartlett’s innocence, the tragic outcome led to the decision to remove Atticus from life support after medical assessments indicated a bleak prognosis.
Bartlett is scheduled to receive his sentencing on July 24, marking the culmination of a harrowing legal process that has shed light on the devastating consequences of his actions.
