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A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 18 years, after fatally shaking his four-week-old son following a night of heavy drinking. Tony Bartlett, aged 39, returned to his home in Chard, Somerset, on July 16, 2022, and in what the judge described as “a sudden fit of anger,” inflicted severe injuries upon baby Atticus. The infant sustained serious damage including spinal cord and rib injuries, along with brain damage so critical that he never regained consciousness or the ability to breathe unaided. Atticus passed away a week later.
The case, which concluded at Bristol Crown Court earlier this month, revealed that Bartlett had consumed up to nine pints of beer during a night out. He had accompanied his then-partner, Evelyn Ballentyne, to a pub and comedy club—their first evening out since the birth of their son. Upon returning home, Ballentyne went upstairs, leaving Bartlett alone to feed Atticus, during which time the fatal injuries occurred.
Speaking about the aftermath, Ballentyne expressed the lasting emotional toll, stating, “I don’t enjoy any moments because I have a dead son. It is mentally and emotionally draining all the time.” She also disclosed that the tragedy had left her with “severe anxiety” and issues with trust. Additionally, Atticus’ grandmother, Rachel Donovan, who had cared for the baby while his parents were out that evening, shared her grief in court. She reflected on the joy of meeting Atticus for the first time and recounted the pain of their final farewell, saying, “I just hope and pray he never knew what happened to him.”
Detective Sergeant Sarah Bowden of Avon and Somerset Police praised the family’s resilience through the emotionally challenging trial. She described the case as “devastating,” noting the cruel nature of the act and Bartlett’s sole responsibility for the child’s fatal injuries, despite his claims of innocence. Bartlett’s defense lawyer, Nigel Power KC, highlighted that his client had previously been a “good and caring parent” and emphasized that there was no evidence of intent to kill or any premeditation in the incident
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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