A father has been sentenced to life in prison for causing fatal injuries to his two-week-old son while the baby was in the special care unit at a hospital. Brendon Staddon was discovered in his cot on March 5 last year with severe injuries to his head, neck, legs, and jaw. Daniel Gunter, 27, was found guilty of inflicting these injuries and then leaving the hospital while nurses tried to save the baby’s life.
During the trial at Bristol Crown Court, it was revealed that Brendon suffered injuries comparable to a fall from a significant height. Gunter was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison by Mr. Justice Swift, who described the injuries as catastrophic and inflicted by the father in the early hours of March 3.
The court heard that Brendon was born prematurely but was otherwise healthy. Gunter’s former partner, Sophie Staddon, was cleared of any involvement in the child’s death. The medical experts testified that the injuries Brendon suffered were consistent with severe force, resulting in fractures, internal bleeding, and multiple injuries to his head and body.
The prosecution highlighted concerns about the couple’s lack of emotional warmth towards Brendon, with reports of neglect and rough handling while the baby was in the hospital. Social services and Gunter’s family had expressed worries about the couple’s ability to care for the child even before his birth. Gunter denied causing any harm to Brendon, while Staddon expressed her love and innocence in the matter.
Following the verdict, Brendon’s grandfather shared heartfelt memories of the baby, expressing the family’s devastation at losing the opportunity to create lasting memories with him. Detective Chief Inspector Nadine Partridge, who led the investigation, emphasized the severity of Brendon’s injuries and the importance of seeking justice for the innocent child who was failed in life.
