Tony Bartlett, 39, was convicted of causing the death of his four-week-old son, Atticus, and sentenced to life with a minimum term of 18 years. The attack took place on 16 July 2022 after Bartlett returned from a night out and allegedly became angry when the baby would not feed. Medical experts said Atticus suffered catastrophic brain and spinal injuries and three rib fractures; he died seven days later. The judge said Bartlett was "very drunk" and had a "sudden fit of anger" when he committed the assault.
Father Jailed For Minimum 18 Years After Violently Shaking Four‑Week‑Old Son
Tony Bartlett caused severe injuries to his infant son by shaking him violently [Ben Birchall/PA]
Warning: This article contains details that some readers may find distressing.
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years after a jury convicted him of causing the death of his four-week-old son, Atticus.
Tony Bartlett, 39, returned to the family home in Chard, Somerset, on 16 July 2022 after a night out with his then-partner, Evelyn Ballentyne. The court heard Bartlett had been drinking — potentially up to nine pints — and, when Atticus would not take a bottle, became frustrated.
Ballentyne left Bartlett alone to feed the baby. When she returned, she found Atticus unresponsive and Bartlett asleep. Emergency services took the infant first to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton and then to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Atticus died seven days after being admitted.
Atticus was four weeks old when he was violently shaken by his father [Avon and Somerset Police]
Medical Evidence and Injuries
Medical experts told the court the pattern of injuries — severe brain and spinal cord trauma together with three rib fractures — were consistent with high-impact forces such as a car crash or a fall from height. The rib fractures could not be explained by resuscitation attempts.
Sentencing
Bartlett was convicted at Bristol Crown Court earlier this month. Mr Justice John Cavanagh said Bartlett was "very drunk" when he attacked Atticus, describing the assault as a "sudden fit of anger." The judge said Bartlett gripped the infant tightly around the ribcage and shook him violently; the attack lasted only seconds or, at most, a minute. The judge added he believed the tragedy would not have happened but for Bartlett's intoxication.
"You had a sudden fit of anger. You vented that anger on your tiny baby son. You shook him very violently indeed, gripping him very tightly round his ribcage." — Mr Justice John Cavanagh
Bartlett, a former postman from Axminster, Devon, will serve a minimum of 18 years before becoming eligible to apply for parole.
This case was heard at Bristol Crown Court and reported by local and national media. The details are distressing and highlight the severe risk that alcohol-related violence can pose to infants and vulnerable family members.
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