Tony Bartlett has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 18 years for the murder of his four-week-old son, Atticus. The sentencing follows Bartlett's conviction earlier this month at Bristol Crown Court.
Bartlett, 39, returned to the family home in Chard, Somerset, on July 16, 2022, and inflicted severe injuries on the infant. These injuries included damage to the baby's spinal cord and ribs, as well as brain damage so profound that Atticus never regained consciousness or the ability to breathe independently. The infant died seven days later.
According to reports, Bartlett had consumed a significant amount of alcohol on the night of the incident, reportedly up to nine pints of beer. The court proceedings determined that this heavy drinking preceded the fatal actions against his son.