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Tony Bartlett Sentenced to Life for Shaking 4-Week-Old Son

7/25/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Tony Bartlett was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 18 years for murdering his four-week-old son.
On 16 July 2022 in Chard, Somerset, after drinking up to nine pints of beer with partner Evelyn Ballentyne, he shook baby Atticus, causing spinal-cord, rib and severe brain injuries that left the infant unable to breathe independently.
Atticus died seven days later, prompting a murder trial at Bristol Crown Court in July 2026.

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Story summary

Tony Bartlett was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 18 years for murdering his four-week-old son.
On 16 July 2022 in Chard, Somerset, after drinking up to nine pints of beer with partner Evelyn Ballentyne, he shook baby Atticus, causing spinal-cord, rib and severe brain injuries that left the infant unable to breathe independently.
Atticus died seven days later, prompting a murder trial at Bristol Crown Court in July 2026.