Daniel Gunter, of no fixed address, appeared at Bristol Crown Court for sentencing today (October 3).
The 27-year-old was found guilty of murdering Brendon Staddon on July 24, after a trial that took just under four weeks.
READ MORE: Full story: Father found guilty of murdering his two-week-old baby
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.
During the sentencing, prosecutor Charles Row KC, said: “Brendon was surrounded by caring nurses and doctors who did their best to encourage his parents to bond with him and engage with his care.
“The defendant was seen to be rough with Brendon, to handle him inappropriately – at times, staff and visiting relatives had to intervene, he would on occasion argue back. He would overstimulate Brendon and take him from the incubator.
“Nurses on occasion heard Brendon cry out or shriek for no apparent reason.”
Mr Row then outlined the facts in the case, reminding His Honourable Judge Justice Smith that one expert suggested Brendon was killed by ‘violent shaking’ while another suggested his death was caused by ‘swinging by his legs with an impact on a hard surface’.
“Despite heroic efforts of all concerned, Brendon never regained consciousness,” Mr Row concluded.
The court heard that Gunter refused to co-operate with a pre-sentence report. Andrew Langdon KC, defending Gunter, suggested his upbringing could have had an effect on his life as an adult.
“Although his father played a role in bringing him up, he had a very disrupted upbringing,” he said.
“He was often excluded from school and he wasn’t welcome in the homes of many. He had learning difficulties and lack of emotional understanding – none of these things were his fault and they are likely to have had a significant impact on him as he became a teenager and then an adult.”
Two victim personal statements were prepared ahead of the sentencing, one by Elizabeth Staddon, who asked for the statement not to be read in open court, and one by Simon Gunter, which was read by Mr Row.
Mr Gunter wrote in his statement that the family were excited about the arrival of Brendon and noted that he has not spoken to the defendant since the incident.
“I wish to start with the most important person here, which is my precious grandson Brendon,” the statement read.
“He was a little fighter and proved his strength in his short life. As a family we were so happy and excited, we got lots of clothes and toys in preparation for his arrival.
“The tragic news turned our lives upside down. Our whole lives changed and our worlds fell apart.
“Since I found out, I have been unable to speak to Daniel, all I have ever wanted is to be told the truth. But we still have nothing.”
The Honourable Mr Justice Smith, sentencing Gunter, said there were many aggravating features, including the fact that Brendon was a highly vulnerable victim and the use of ‘sustained and excessive’ violence.
However, he said he was ‘not satisfied’ there were any significant mitigating factors.
“The injuries that Brendon suffered in your hands were horrific,” said Judge Smith.
“I have received and read victim impact statements by Eliabeth Staddon and Simon Gunter, and each describes the joy they felt when Brendon was born. Each has been and will continue to be deeply affected by his death. No sentence that I could pass today can possibly ease their grief.”
Gunter was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 20 years, minus the days he has already spent on remand, so 18 years and 239 days.