A Somerset jury heard harrowing testimony as Tony Bartlett, a postman from Axminster, Devon, stands accused of violently shaking his four-week-old son, Atticus Bartlett, causing fatal injuries. The incident allegedly occurred on the night of July 16, 2022, after Mr. Bartlett returned from a night out with his partner, leaving the newborn briefly in his care.
Atticus, described as previously fit and healthy, collapsed at their home in Chard around 11 pm and was rushed first to Taunton hospital, then transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Despite intensive care, the baby never regained consciousness and tragically died a week later on July 23.
Prosecutor Charles Row KC detailed how Bartlett had consumed up to nine pints of beer during the evening. Bartlett and his partner, Evelyn Ballentyne, had left Atticus in the care of his grandparents while attending a comedy event. Upon their return, Ballentyne went upstairs to change, leaving Bartlett to tend to their son. It was during this brief period that Bartlett allegedly lost control.
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The court was told that Atticus had been “grizzly and crying” and was a difficult feeder who often spat out his milk. In a moment of frustration, Bartlett is said to have shaken the baby “so hard” that catastrophic internal injuries were inflicted, including brain and spinal cord damage and several broken ribs, indicating the severity of the assault.
Ballentyne reportedly came downstairs to find her son face-down across Bartlett’s knees, making strange gasping sounds. Realizing something was seriously wrong, she called for help. Paramedics arrived swiftly, but medical experts confirmed the damage was too severe for survival.
Bartlett denies all charges of murder and manslaughter, claiming any non-accidental injury must have been caused by Ballentyne. He admitted shaking the baby “a little bit” on his knee to revive him after he appeared to choke, but now disputes this, putting the blame on his partner.
The jury at Bristol Crown Court continues to hear evidence in this deeply distressing case.