A Somerset man has been convicted of murdering his four-week-old baby boy by violently shaking him, resulting in fatal injuries.
Atticus Bartlett died in hospital after collapsing at his family home in Chard, Somerset, on July 16, 2022. His father, 39-year-old Tony Bartlett, who previously worked as a postman, was found guilty of murder by a unanimous jury at Bristol Crown Court.
Bartlett had denied the charges of murder and manslaughter but was convicted on Wednesday. Mr Justice Cavanagh remanded him into custody ahead of sentencing scheduled for July 24. The judge emphasized that murder carries a mandatory life sentence and that a minimum term must be set before Bartlett can be considered for release.
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The courtroom was filled with emotion as members of Atticus’s family gasped and wept upon hearing the verdict. Bartlett, appearing via videolink, broke down in tears. The judge praised the jurors for their detailed and careful consideration, releasing them from jury duty for five years.
Prosecutor Charles Row KC outlined how the attack likely happened in seconds. Bartlett, described as “drunk and frustrated,” had been out with Atticus’s mother, Evelyn Ballentyne, at a pub and comedy club. Following an evening where Bartlett consumed 8.5 pints of lager, he returned home and was left alone with Atticus while Ms Ballentyne went upstairs to change.
During this brief time, Bartlett violently shook Atticus, causing severe internal injuries to the baby’s brain and spinal cord, as well as three rib fractures not attributable to resuscitation efforts. Ms Ballentyne testified to hearing Atticus make gasping sounds as if struggling to breathe.
Bartlett’s defense suggested Ms Ballentyne could have caused the fatal injuries, but she was never charged and testified against Bartlett. Emergency services responded promptly, but Atticus’s brain damage was so severe that he never regained consciousness and passed away just before midnight on July 23, 2022.
Detective Superintendent Lorett Spierenburg expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss and affirmed that medical evidence conclusively proved Bartlett’s sole responsibility. She also commended Atticus’s family for their strength throughout the investigation and trial.
Bartlett, who lives in Axminster, Devon, awaits sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on July 24.