Daniel Gunter and Sophie Staddon, both of no fixed address, are currently on trial at Bristol Crown Court, charged with the murder of Brendon Staddon.
Brendon died at Yeovil District Hospital on March 5 2024 from ‘catastrophic injuries’ including blunt force trauma to the head, scratches and bruising all over his body as well as various fractures.
Gunter, 27, and Staddon, 21, have both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Today (July 23), the Honourable Mr Justice Smith, who is the judge presiding over the trial, gave an overview of the evidence in the case.
He spoke about the medical evidence that has been provided during the trial. Judge Smith reminded the jury that one of the doctors who gave evidence during the trial stated that Brendon’s injuries could have been caused by being ‘swung against a hard surface’ or by ‘crushing’ of the skull.
READ MORE: Day two: Parents on trial after two-week-old son dies of ‘catastrophic injuries’
Judge Smith added that the evidence revealed that Brendon was ‘a healthy baby who was feeding normally’ before March 5.
Once he had finished summarising the evidence, Judge Smith addressed the jury directly saying: “Don’t let anything that I have said, steer you one way or the other. You must always remember that you and you alone are the judges of the facts. Consider all you have seen and heard and form your own view.”
The jury have now retired to decide their verdict. There is no indication yet on when this could be given.
The trial continues.