A father described as “diabolical” has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his two-week-old premature son. Daniel Gunter, 27, received a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years behind bars after being found guilty at Bristol Crown Court of fatally assaulting baby Brendon Staddon at Yeovil District Hospital in the early hours of March 5, 2024.
Brendon, born prematurely at 33 weeks on February 20, 2024, weighed less than two bags of sugar at the time of the attack. Prosecutor Charles Row KC revealed that the infant suffered catastrophic injuries, including a shattered skull, multiple broken bones, and extensive trauma from head to toe.
On the night of the tragedy, Brendon’s mother, Sophie Staddon, who was acquitted of all charges, alerted medical staff after she noticed the baby was cold. Despite urgent efforts by doctors and nurses, Brendon succumbed to his injuries shortly before 5 a.m.
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Throughout the trial, testimony revealed that Gunter ignored repeated warnings from medical staff to stop handling and overstimulating the fragile infant. Witnesses described him as rough and angry when the baby urinated during nappy changes. Nurses noticed a disturbing change in Gunter’s behavior in the hours preceding the fatal assault, noting an unnatural excitement and exaggerated mannerisms as he refused to let staff near the baby.
The court also heard about Gunter’s controlling and emotionally abusive behavior toward his former partner, Sophie Staddon. He manipulated her finances and social interactions and at times impersonated her via their shared devices.
Judge Mr Justice Swift condemned Gunter’s actions, stating that Brendon was a healthy child who died due to the “appalling” and “catastrophic” injuries inflicted. Medical experts testified that the severe trauma was consistent with violent shaking or swinging of the baby, causing multiple fractures and internal damage.
Detective Chief Inspector Nadine Partridge expressed heartbreak over the cruelty inflicted on such an innocent child and extended condolences to Brendon’s family, praising their bravery throughout the investigation.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust acknowledged the distressing nature of the case and confirmed ongoing involvement in a Child Safeguarding Practice Review to thoroughly examine the circumstances of Brendon’s death, with findings expected later this year.