Father Accused of Killing Newborn in Moment of Violence, Court Hears

A four-week-old baby, Atticus Bartlett, died after being violently shaken by his father, a jury at Bristol Crown Court has been told. The infant collapsed at home in Chard, Somerset, on July 16, 2022, and later died from severe brain injuries.

Tony Bartlett, 39, stands trial charged with murder and manslaughter. Prosecutor Charles Row KC described the incident as a “moment of pure violence,” fueled by the defendant’s intoxication and frustration.

Mr. Row explained that the attack may have lasted only seconds but involved deliberate, unlawful force. “This wasn’t a case of premeditation but a split-second intent driven by anger and alcohol,” he said. Bartlett reportedly consumed 8.5 pints of beer before returning home with his partner, Evelyn Ballentyne, after a night out. While Evelyn went upstairs to change, Bartlett was left alone feeding their difficult-to-feed infant son.

The prosecution contends that Bartlett’s impaired judgment led to the fatal shaking, causing severe internal injuries, including three rib fractures. Evelyn testified that she heard Atticus gasp twice as if struggling to breathe and saw him lying unresponsive on Bartlett’s legs.

Despite emergency medical efforts, Atticus never regained consciousness and died a week after the incident. Bartlett denies both charges, and the trial is ongoing. The case highlights the dangers of infant shaking and the devastating consequences of parental violence under the influence.