Blackpool man jailed for life for murdering his baby son
6 week old Marshall died in March 2017
A man from Blackpool has been jailed for life for murdering his baby son.
Six week old Marshall Christie died in March last year after his dad, David Christie, shook him so hard he suffered fatal head injuries.
The 36 year old was found guilty by a unanimous jury decision after a trial at Preston Crown Court.
Police were contacted at shortly after 4am on Friday, March 10th last year by the Ambulance Service who were at an address on Wyre Grove tending to six week old Marshall Christie.
The baby was taken by ambulance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and then transferred to the Manchester Children’s Hospital where he sadly died on March 15th.
Christie had claimed during the trial that he had injured his son Marshall Christie unintentionally while trying to resuscitate him after he found the child unresponsive, but the jury didn't believe him.
During the trial the court heard Marshall also had other injuries, including an earlier brain injury, rib fractures and bruising.
Detective Inspector Paddy O’Neill said: “In his short life Marshall Christie should have been able to look to his father for the love and protection of a parent. Tragically, our investigation identified that Marshall had suffered previous rib fractures and another brain injury that pre-dated the injuries Marshall suffered on the 10th of March, and those occurred whilst Marshall was in the sole care of his father.
“My thoughts remain with Marshall and indeed his wider family who have been put in an insufferable position by Christie’s actions, and yet have conducted themselves with dignity and restraint since the horrific incident 12 months ago. I hope that this conviction can offer them some comfort as they try to move on with their lives.