A 21‑year‑old mother’s request to check on her premature baby turned tragic when the father removed the infant from the incubator and violently threw him onto the floor on the night of March 3 2024 in a hospital in Somerset, England.
Macabre Night in the Hospital
On March 3, 2024, the premature infant Brendon, born on February 20, 2024, was in an incubator. The mother, 21‑year‑old Sophie Staddon, expressing concern, asked nurses to examine him and then left with the father to smoke a cigarette. During their absence, the father seized Brendon from the incubator, shook him violently, and at one point threw him onto the floor.
When the nurses returned, Brendon showed extensive bruising and no signs of life. Resuscitation was commenced immediately, but the injuries were deemed unsurvivable.
Injuries Like Those From Falling From a Building
The post‑mortem revealed a fractured skull, jaw, cervical spine, and broken arms and legs. No part of Brendon’s body was free of bruises. Experts described the damage as resembling that caused by a severe fall from a multi‑storey building.
The judge emphasised the brutality, stating that Brendon endured multiple blunt force traumas that shattered his skull and broke his neck, indicating premeditated intent to end his life.
Witness and Family Statements
Louise Besica, Brendon’s aunt, testified that the father displayed intolerance and treated Brendon harshly.
Simon Gunter, the baby’s father, reflected on his nephew’s life, saying, “He was tiny yet perfect. I have never seen his first crawl, step, or word.”
The great‑grandfather remarked, “We will never see his first smile; he had no chance to smile.”
Defendant Denied Guilt
Throughout the trial, Gunter maintained he never harmed his son and claimed he was with Sophie the entire time, asserting she did nothing wrong.
Sophie echoed that she meant no harm, calling her love for Brendon “everything” to her and denying any wrongful action.
Verdict
Avon and Somerset police described the investigation as “one of the most shocking in the unit’s history.” Deputy Inspector Nadine Partridge emphasised that “we can only provide justice after such a brutal act.”
The court sentenced Gunter to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years. He has already served over a year in custody, which counts towards his sentence, making the earliest possible release in 2044.
