A father is standing trial, denying allegations that he violently shook his four-week-old son, resulting in the baby’s death. Atticus Bartlett tragically died in hospital after collapsing at his family home in Chard, Somerset, on July 16, 2022.
Tony Bartlett, 39, who worked as a postman, faces charges of murder and manslaughter at Bristol Crown Court. Prosecutors claim he inflicted fatal injuries on Atticus by shaking him while alone with the infant.
During his testimony, Bartlett told the jury, “From the beginning, I have said if I had done it, I would have said so.” When asked directly if he caused the fatal injuries, Bartlett firmly denied it, stating, “No, I did not.” He also rejected allegations that he intended to cause serious harm or that he felt regret, saying, “Never” and “I didn’t do it, so I never regretted anything.”
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On the evening of the incident, Atticus was cared for by his grandmother, Rachel Donovan, and her husband, Andrew, while Bartlett and his partner, Evelyn Ballentyne, visited a pub and comedy club. Prosecutors allege that Bartlett consumed up to nine pints of beer that night.
According to the prosecution, Ms. Ballentyne went upstairs to change around 11 PM, leaving Bartlett alone to feed Atticus. It was during this time that prosecutors claim Bartlett shook the baby violently, causing severe internal injuries to the infant’s brain and spinal cord. Several ribs were also fractured.
After Ms. Ballentyne raised the alarm, neighbors and paramedics rushed to the home. Atticus was taken by ambulance to Musgrove Park Hospital and later transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Unfortunately, the brain damage was so severe he never regained consciousness or breathed unaided. Atticus passed away just before midnight on July 23, 2022.
Bartlett, from Axminster, Devon, denies both charges, and the trial is ongoing.