Tony Bartlett has been found guilty of murdering his four-week-old son, Atticus, after returning home from a night out. A jury convicted the 39-year-old of shaking his son to death on July 16, 2022, in Chard, Somerset.
The court heard that Bartlett had consumed up to nine pints of beer before the fatal incident. Atticus was taken to a hospital with severe injuries to his spinal cord and ribs. Medical experts testified that the infant's brain damage was so severe that he never regained consciousness or the ability to breathe independently. He died seven days later.
Bartlett and his partner, Evelyn Ballentyne, had reportedly gone to a pub and a comedy club for their first evening out since their son's birth. Ballentyne discovered her son unresponsive and taking his last unassisted breaths upon returning from upstairs.
Despite the efforts of medical professionals and neighbors, Atticus could not be saved. In addition to the severe brain and spinal cord injuries, medical experts noted three rib fractures that could not be attributed to resuscitation attempts.
Bartlett is scheduled to be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on July 24.