A father has been found guilty of murdering his baby son by violently shaking him, causing injuries comparable to falling from a third-floor window onto concrete.
Bradley Thomas, 23, from Redcar, shook his 14-week-old son Emmerson-Oak Thomas so violently that the infant suffered bleeding on the brain and spinal cord, as well as to the back of both eyes. The incident occurred in the early hours of October 5 last year, and Emmerson died three days later in hospital.
Following a trial at Teesside Crown Court, a jury found Thomas guilty of murder. He will be sentenced on July 15 and was remanded into custody until then.
Court Details
During the trial, Thomas's partner gave evidence, stating that she had believed Thomas was gentle with their son and that their relationship was "near perfect." She said she visits Thomas in prison and they remain a couple. She initially thought Thomas was calling her because Emmerson had done something, but she heard "terror" in his voice.
The mother began CPR while Thomas called an ambulance. Paramedics found the baby unconscious. Experts testified that the injuries were "non-accidental." One medic said the injuries were similar to falling from a third-floor window onto concrete, contradicting Thomas's claim that Emmerson had fallen from his lap onto a carpet.
Pathologist Dr. Jennifer Bolton stated that the injuries were caused by the head being "vigorously moved backwards and forwards." A specialist in paediatric ophthalmic pathology described the eye bleeding as "severe and very characteristic of an abusive head trauma."
Prosecutor Toby Hedworth argued that Thomas "lost self control and became angry" when Emmerson refused his bottle and was unsettled from 2am. Thomas was the only person downstairs with the baby that night. Police found cannabis in the home, and Thomas admitted to smoking one joint in the evenings.
Judge Clive Sheldon thanked the jury for their care and consideration in handling the difficult evidence.
Detective Superintendent Deb Fenny of Cleveland Police said: "Emmerson-Oak was an innocent three month old child whose life was cruelly and senselessly taken. I am pleased that today we have secured justice on his behalf." She added that the investigation was exceptionally complex and distressing, but officers remained committed to securing justice.
