WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Bradley Thomas, 23, was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 14 years after being found guilty of murdering his three-month-old son Emmerson-Oak Thomas
A father has been jailed for life over the murder of his baby son. Bradley Thomas inflicted fatal injuries when he shook three-month-old Emmerson-Oak Thomas with “violence and force” during the early hours of October 5 last year.
He then delayed calling 999 for 30 minutes after rousing his partner, despite Emmerson struggling to breathe and showing unusual arm movements, a court was told. Emmerson was rushed to James Cook University Hospital before being moved to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he passed away in the early hours of October 8, aged just three months and 16 days old.
Today, Thomas, 23, was sentenced to a minimum of 14 years behind bars at Teesside Crown Court after being convicted of murder following a two-week trial on June 17.
Passing sentence, Mr Justice Sheldon KC said Emmerson was “a baby with a lovely smile, who had already brought much joy to the family, and had his whole life ahead of him.”
He added that Emmerson was a “healthy baby who was progressing through the normal milestones” but Thomas’ actions robbed him of a future, reports Teesside Live.
Mr Sheldon said “sleep-deprived” Thomas became “frustrated” when his son wouldn’t settle during the night and “shook Emmerson with so much force that he caused fatal injuries”. The court was told that Thomas had an arrangement with his partner to handle the night feeds while she cared for Emmerson during the day when Thomas was at work.
Mr Sheldon stated that while Thomas expressed remorse for the injuries inflicted on his son, he consistently “did not tell those who were trying to save Emmerson’s life”. The court heard that during a second police interview, Thomas claimed that Emmerson had fallen from his knee onto the floor because he had dozed off on the sofa.
When questioned if he had shaken his son, Thomas falsely told police he hadn’t. However, evidence later revealed that Thomas shook his son with “such violence and force he was caused severe and irreversible brain injuries”.
Thomas, of Grasmere Road in Redcar, received a life sentence, with a requirement to serve at least 14 years.
Senior Investigating Officer, T/Detective Superintendent Deb Fenny said: “This has been an incredibly distressing and emotive investigation involving the tragic death of a three-month-old baby who should have had his whole life ahead of him. Throughout this investigation, my team remained absolutely focused on securing justice for Emerson-Oak.
“Nothing can undo the devastating loss suffered by Emerson-Oak’s family, nor can any sentence bring him back. However, today’s outcome ensures that Bradley Thomas has been held responsible for his actions. Thankfully the jury saw through the false account he repeatedly sought to present.
“The death of any child is heartbreaking, but the circumstances of this case were particularly harrowing. Despite the challenges, those involved never lost sight of the victim at the heart of this investigation. Emerson-Oak deserved a voice, and we were determined to ensure his story was heard.
“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this investigation and subsequent prosecution, from the first responding officers/paramedics who worked tirelessly to save Emerson-Oak’s life, to the detectives, forensic specialists and support staff who painstakingly gathered and presented the evidence. I am also grateful for the dedication and expertise of the Crown Prosecution Service and the King’s Counsel in securing this conviction.
“The professionalism, compassion and unwavering commitment shown throughout this investigation have been exemplary. All those involved should be proud of the part they played in delivering justice for Emerson-Oak, they are a credit to Cleveland Police.”
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