A man has been found guilty of causing his four-week-old infant’s death by shaking him in a fit of rage. Tony Bartlett, aged 39 and residing in Axminster, Devon, inflicted serious harm on his baby son Atticus during a violent episode at their home in Chard, as revealed in a trial at Bristol Crown Court.
Atticus suffered significant internal injuries to his brain and spinal cord on July 16, 2022, leading to his passing in the hospital after seven days. Additionally, the infant sustained three rib fractures that were not linked to resuscitation attempts, according to court testimony.
Following a four-week trial, the jury convicted Bartlett of murder, with sentencing scheduled for later this month. Despite denying charges of manslaughter and murder, Bartlett, a postman, displayed visible distress upon hearing the verdict.
His former partner, Evelyn Ballentyne, the mother of Atticus, was initially detained but later treated as a witness without facing any charges. She provided testimony during Bartlett’s trial.
The court was informed that Bartlett and Ballentyne had gone out for the evening, leaving Atticus in the care of Ballentyne’s parents at their residence in Chard, Somerset. Bartlett reportedly consumed 8.5 pints of beer before returning home with Ballentyne just before 11 pm.
During the trial, Prosecutor Charles Row KC suggested that Bartlett’s violent actions were likely exacerbated by his alcohol consumption. Bartlett’s inability to acknowledge his actions while under the influence was highlighted in court.
Ballentyne left Bartlett with Atticus on the sofa while she went upstairs to remove her makeup. Upon returning, she noticed the baby struggling to drink milk and later found him unresponsive, prompting her to seek help from neighbors.
The tragic incident unfolded after a night out, underscoring the devastating consequences of Bartlett’s actions.