Disturbing Internet History Preceded Father's Manslaughter Admission
A father who pleaded guilty to killing his six-week-old son had conducted a series of alarming internet searches in the period before the infant's death, a court has heard. Peter Sayle, 32, reportedly became frustrated when his newborn baby would not settle, with one specific search query reading "baby crying makes me angry dad".
Tragic Timeline of Events
The case, heard at Preston Crown Court, revealed that baby Huxley was rushed to Royal Preston Hospital after emergency services were called to the family home in Squires Wood, Fulwood. The infant was not breathing. A subsequent scan identified a serious head injury, leading to his transfer to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in the early hours of June 14, 2022.
Despite intensive medical intervention, Huxley's injuries were deemed too severe to be compatible with life. Treatment was withdrawn on July 14, 2022. His father, Peter Sayle, was initially arrested on June 17, 2022, on suspicion of Section 18 Wounding. During police interviews, Sayle denied any wrongdoing, claiming the injuries stemmed from him performing CPR on his son.
Medical Evidence and Further Arrest
Medical experts reviewed a CT scan on June 22, 2022, concluding Huxley had suffered multiple skull and brain injuries. A report author indicated these injuries would have caused immediate symptoms and were consistent with the baby having been violently shaken. With more evidence suggesting deliberate harm, Sayle was re-arrested on suspicion of murder on July 22, 2022, though he continued to deny the allegations.
A Home Office post-mortem examination later established the cause of death as a traumatic head injury, with no underlying natural disease. Forensic pathologist Dr Alison Armour concluded that two rib fractures Huxley sustained were inconsistent with CPR and were more likely caused by forceful gripping or squeezing during an episode of vigorous shaking.
Digital Evidence and Guilty Plea
An examination of Sayle's mobile phone uncovered several concerning internet searches made shortly after Huxley's birth. These included "tips to deal with frustration and anger", "baby crying makes me angry dad", and "I'm getting so angry when baby won't sleep".
On the fifth day of his trial, Sayle, now of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The prosecution accepted the plea as an alternative to the original murder charge. He is due to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court.
Police Response to the Case
DCI Andy Fallows of Lancashire Police's Force Major Investigation Team stated: "I welcome today’s manslaughter plea put forward by Peter Sayle. After three and a half years of denials he has finally admitted that he is responsible for assaulting and causing baby Huxley’s death."
He added, "While this has been a particularly sensitive and challenging case, my investigation team’s relentless focus has always been on achieving justice for baby Huxley. Today we have managed to achieve that."
