Tony Bartlett

Tony Bartlett, 39, of Axminster in Devon, has been convicted of murder in the UK following the death of his four-week-old son, Atticus. The conviction came after a four-week trial at Bristol Crown Court.

Key Facts and Dates:

• Incident Date: July 16, 2022.
• Location: The family home in Chard, Somerset.
• Victim: Atticus Bartlett, Tony Bartlett's four-week-old son.
• Cause of Death: Atticus suffered severe internal injuries to his brain and spinal cord, and three rib fractures, consistent with severe head trauma from being violently shaken. Medical experts likened the force used to a high-speed car crash or a fall from height.
• Circumstances: On the night of the incident, Bartlett and Atticus's mother, Evelyn Ballentyne, had returned from their first night out since the baby's birth, during which Bartlett had consumed approximately 8.5 pints of beer. Bartlett was alone with Atticus downstairs while Ms. Ballentyne was upstairs. She later found Atticus "lifeless" and struggling to breathe.
• Death Date: Atticus died in hospital seven days later, on July 23, 2022, after his brain damage proved too severe for him to breathe independently or regain consciousness.

Charges and Legal Proceedings:

• Charges: Tony Bartlett was charged with murder and manslaughter. He denied both charges.
• Trial: The trial took place at Bristol Crown Court and lasted four weeks.
• Defense Argument: Bartlett's defense suggested that Ms. Ballentyne could have caused the fatal injuries, noting she had initially been arrested and had stated on four occasions that she had shaken Atticus to revive him, though she later denied this.
• Prosecution Argument: The prosecution argued that Bartlett's "loss of temper and frustration," likely fueled by alcohol, led him to violently shake his son. Medical evidence indicated Bartlett was solely responsible for the catastrophic injuries.
• Verdict: On July 8, 2026, a jury unanimously found Tony Bartlett guilty of murder.
• Sentencing: Bartlett is scheduled to be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, July 24, 2026. The judge has indicated that a life sentence is to be expected.
• Other Parties: Evelyn Ballentyne was initially arrested but later released without charge and testified for the prosecution as a witness.