Walton Dad behind bars after violently shaking his baby son

A Liverpool dad who went on the run after being sentenced to 13 years in jail for violently shaking his baby son is today behind bars

Liverpoool Crown Court heard that 31 year old Zsolt Lakatos had been hiding at an address in Litherland for eight days and was arrested there yesterday.

It was after he failed to return to his trial following a weekend break earlier this month

Disheveled Lakatos appeared in the dock today and admitted breaching his bail.

Judge Robert Trevor-Jones said it was “quite clear” what had motivated Lakatos to abscond.

“Perhaps it dawned on you quite what might be the consequence were you convicted by the jury.

“Despite the fact it was a very significant sentence, the failure to attend in breach of your bail cannot be overlooked. In the overall scheme of things I am only going to impose a consecutive term of 10 days imprisonment.”

Defence barrister Rachel Smith said he apologised to the court for his actions and had not attempted to leave the country.

“It is simply a case where the defendant had become frightened at the prospect of knowing he was to receive a lengthy custodial sentence. He simply panicked over the weekend period and was frightened of the stigma attached to offences of this nature.”

During his trial, which left some women jurors in tears, the court heard that the 31-year-old Hungarian national, of Ashdale Road, Walton, admitted shaking the four month old infant on two separate occasions causing bleeding on the brain. He denied intending to cause serious harm but was convicted by the jury.

On the first occasion the infant suffered bleeding on the brain and four fractured ribs. These only came to light however after Lakatos again shook him, two to six weeks later, this time more forcibly leading to his immediate collapse.

He suffered further bleeding on the brain, a fractured right shin bone and retinal hemorrhaging, injuries described by the judge as having a “catastrophic” impact on the victim’s life.

Although there have been some improvements the child, who is now 22 months old and in foster care, has significant visual impairment and can only roll over with help.

He has some understanding of language and enjoys music but his life expectancy has been reduced.