Overview
- A jury at Bristol Crown Court unanimously found Tony Bartlett guilty of murdering his four‑week‑old son, Atticus, on Wednesday and remanded him in custody for sentencing on 24 July.
- Medical witnesses said Atticus suffered catastrophic brain and spinal injuries and three rib fractures that they said were consistent with very high‑energy trauma rather than accidental handling.
- Prosecutors told the court Bartlett had drunk about 8.5 pints that evening and argued a short, alcohol‑fuelled loss of temper led to a violent shaking that killed the baby.
- Bartlett gave differing accounts to police and his defence suggested the mother could have caused the injuries; the mother, Evelyn Ballentyne, was initially arrested, was not charged, and gave evidence for the prosecution.
- Detective officers said medical evidence placed responsibility on Bartlett and the case now turns to the judge fixing a minimum term under the mandatory life sentence, a decision that will determine when he can first be considered for release.