Father Guilty Over Baby Son's Death

19 March 2019, 07:34 | Updated: 19 March 2019, 07:40

A father from West Sussex has been found guilty of killing his 10-week-old son who suffered a brain injury.

Heating engineer Christopher Barnes from Midhurst was convicted of manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm when a jury returned a majority verdict on Monday at Lewes Crown Court, police said.

Barnes, 28, of Barlavington Way, stood trial after his son Harry died of a brain injury on June 25 2017.

Harry had multiple injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome.

He had been admitted to hospital after collapsing the day before. He stopped breathing, his heart stopped beating and he never regained consciousness, dying after life support was withdrawn.

In a statement issued by Sussex Police, his mother Laura Millins said: "We now have justice for Harry after going through something so traumatic that has changed our lives forever.

"As we approach what would have been Harry's 2nd birthday we finally have the truth.

"Harry will always be in our hearts."

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Heater said: "The evidence was clear that Christopher Barnes had become frustrated with Harry and had caused his injuries.

"Harry should have been safe with his father, whose duty it was to love and protect his child."

Barnes will be sentenced on Friday.