Man jailed for murdering his baby son in Newbury
James Lawton was sentenced at Reading Crown court
A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his one-month-old baby son in Newbury.
James Lawton from Warminster must serve a minimum sentence of 17 years.
At the same hearing, 25-year-old Chantelle Stroud of Ashridge Court in 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.
Colby Lawton died from multiple injuries in May 2020.
The case
On Saturday 9 May 2020, officers were called to an address in Fountain Gardens, Ashridge Court by South Central Ambulance Service following reports that a one month old baby boy was in cardiac arrest.
The baby, Colby Lawton, was taken to hospital for treatment but tragically later died.
The court heard how Lawton had caused multiple injuries to his son.
Lawton was charged in connection with the incident on 25 May this year. Stroud was charged on 29 June this year.
Senior Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Blaik, of the Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said:
“Over the last four weeks, the jury have heard how a defenceless baby, just a month old, had sustained the most terrible injuries at the hands of his father James Lawton.
“Colby was assaulted on at least two occasions resulting in horrific injuries; with the final assault of violent shaking just moments before his death on 9 May 2020.
“Lawton denied causing any harm to Colby but the jury have seen through his continued lies and found him guilty today of his murder.
“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.”