Wiltshire man jailed for murder of baby son
He's been given a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years
A man from Warminster has been given a life sentence for the murder of his baby son in Newbury, Berkshire.
James Lawton, 27, of Boreham Field, will have to serve a minimum term of 17 years after being found guilty by unanimous verdict of one count of murder and one count of grievous bodily harm.
Police were called to an address in Fountain Gardens, Ashridge Court in Newbury by South Central Ambulance Service on Saturday 9 May 2020, following reports that a one month old baby boy was in cardiac arrest.
The baby, Colby Lawton, was taken to hospital for treatment but later died.
Lawton was charged in connection with the incident on 25 May this year.
"Utterly vile"
Senior Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Blaik, of the Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said, “This investigation has been extremely complex, requiring the assistance of numerous medical experts, a dedicated team of detectives and police staff working with our colleagues from the CPS.
“This has had a profound effect on everyone that has worked on this investigation and I am extremely grateful for their dedication and professionalism.
“The sentenced passed today truly reflects the utterly vile way that this defenceless child lost his life at the hands of James Lawton, his father who should have been his protector.”
At the same hearing, Chantelle Stroud, aged 25, of Ashridge Court, Newbury, was found not guilty of one count of causing or allowing the death of a child, and one count of cruelty to a child.
Lawton was also found not guilty to one count of cruelty to a child.