Father denies murdering his baby son in Chard by shaking him

Atticus Bartlett died in hospital after collapsing at the family home in Chard, Somerset, on July 16, 2022.

His father, Tony Bartlett, 39, is on trial at Bristol Crown Court charged with murder and manslaughter.

Prosecutors allege Bartlett, who was working as a postman, shook Atticus violently while alone with him.

Giving evidence, Bartlett told the jury: "I have said from the start, if I had done it, I would have said so from the start."

Prosecuting, Charles Row KC asked Bartlett whether he had caused the fatal injuries to his son.

Bartlett replied: "No, I did not."

Mr Row alleged Bartlett had done so, intending to cause him at least serious harm.

Bartlett said: "Never."

Mr Row asked Bartlett if he had immediately regretted what he had done.

Bartlett replied: "I didn’t do it, so I never regretted anything."

Atticus had been cared for by his grandmother, Rachel Donovan and her husband Andrew earlier in the evening, while Bartlett and his partner Evelyn Ballentyne went to a pub and comedy club.

Mr Row previously told the jury Bartlett had consumed up to nine pints of beer and was left to feed Atticus while his partner went upstairs to change at about 11pm.

He alleged that while Ms Ballentyne was upstairs, Bartlett violently shook Atticus so hard he caused severe internal injuries to his brain and spinal cord.

Several of Atticus’s ribs were also cracked, Mr Row told the jury.

After Ms Ballentyne raised the alarm, neighbours and paramedics attended the property.

Atticus was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital by ambulance and later transferred to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.

However, his brain damage was so severe that Atticus never breathed for himself again and did not regain consciousness.

He died just before midnight on July 23, 2022.

Bartlett, of Axminster, Devon, denies the two charges against him and the trial continues.