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Father killed baby by shaking him in moment of 'pure violence', court hears
Prosecutors say the postman was drunk and frustrated when he shook the infant, who suffered severe brain and spinal injuries after the attack.
At Bristol Crown Court, prosecutors argued Tony Bartlett, 39, killed his four-week-old son, Atticus, in a "moment of pure violence" after consuming 8.5 pints of beer; Bartlett denies murder and manslaughter charges.
On July 16, 2022, Bartlett returned from a pub and was left alone to feed Atticus while partner Evelyn Ballentyne went upstairs; prosecutors claimed his intoxication made him "less tolerant" and "more cavalier."
Evidence indicates Bartlett violently shook Atticus, causing severe brain and spinal injuries with three rib fractures, while Ballentyne testified she heard the baby make two loud gasps as if dying.
Prosecution barrister Charles Row KC argued in his closing speech that the death resulted from "deliberate application of force" rather than accident, claiming the "drunk and frustrated" defendant used significant force.
Bartlett, of Axminster, Devon, maintains his innocence regarding the two charges as the trial continues at Bristol Crown Court with jurors now deliberating the evidence.