A tragic case unfolded at Bristol Crown Court, where Daniel Gunter, 27, was unanimously found guilty of fatally injuring his two-week-old son, Brendon Staddon, in a brutal attack. The infant suffered catastrophic injuries, including a shattered skull and multiple broken bones, in a devastating assault at Yeovil District Hospital on March 5, 2024.
Brendon, born prematurely at 33 weeks and weighing less than a couple of bags of sugar, was described by prosecutors as a fragile newborn. Despite the efforts of medical staff to save him, the injuries inflicted by his father proved fatal. A video recorded the moment Gunter was arrested outside the hospital, where he denied the charges despite overwhelming evidence of the harrowing attack.
The court heard testimony from nurses who witnessed Gunter’s rough and inappropriate handling of Brendon, including excessive tickling and poking, which caused the infant distress and lowered oxygen levels. Family members also observed Gunter’s anger when changing Brendon’s nappy. Shortly before the baby’s death, nurses noticed Gunter’s unusual and unsettling behavior during a late-night shift.
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Brendon’s mother, Sophie Staddon, 21, was acquitted of any involvement in her son’s death. The jury dismissed charges of murder against her.
The trial revealed disturbing details about Gunter’s controlling and emotionally abusive behavior toward Ms. Staddon, including controlling her finances, isolating her socially, and manipulating communications by occasionally sending messages pretending to be her.
Social services had previously intervened due to concerns about the couple’s unstable living conditions and Gunter’s domineering behavior. Medical and social workers noted a distinct lack of emotional warmth from Gunter during hospital visits.
Brendon’s grandfather expressed profound grief and heartbreak, emphasizing the loss of a life filled with potential memories and milestones that will never be. The family hopes that justice will be served with sentencing scheduled for October 3.
Detective Chief Inspector Nadine Partridge highlighted the severity of Brendon’s injuries and expressed condolences to the bereaved family. She commended the collaborative efforts of various agencies in a complex investigation that ultimately led to a guilty verdict.