Daniel Gunter, 27, has been found guilty of murdering his newborn son at Yeovil District Hospital. The infant suffered catastrophic injuries. The mother was acquitted.
Jury Convicts Father of Murder After Two-Week-Old Baby Found Dead in Cot
A 27-year-old man has been found guilty of murdering his two-week-old son in a special care baby unit at Yeovil District Hospital, Somerset, after the infant was discovered with catastrophic injuries.
Daniel Gunter was convicted at Bristol Crown Court following a three-week trial for the brutal killing of his son, Brendon Staddon, on March 5 last year. The newborn had suffered extensive trauma including a crushed skull, broken jaw, neck, legs, and wrists—injuries described in court as “catastrophic.”
After inflicting the fatal injuries, Gunter reportedly left the hospital for a cigarette, leaving nurses to desperately attempt resuscitation. The jury found him guilty of murder. He showed no emotion as the verdict was read.
Mother Acquitted After Emotional Trial
Brendon’s mother, Sophie Staddon, 23, was cleared of causing or allowing the death of a child. She had previously been acquitted of murder on the direction of the judge, Mr Justice Swift.
The courtroom was visibly emotional as the verdicts were returned. One female juror was seen in tears, comforted by others on the panel.
Justice Swift addressed Gunter directly, remanding him in custody and confirming sentencing will occur at a later date. Turning to Staddon, he said:
“Sophie Staddon, you have been acquitted by the jury. Your bail will no longer be necessary and you are free to go.”
Medical Staff Uncovered Horror After Baby Found ‘Cold’
The court heard that nurses discovered Brendon’s injuries after Staddon told staff he felt cold in his cot. Prosecutor Charles Row KC detailed the disturbing scene:
“Staff found him lying in his cot with his baby grow open. They immediately saw that he wasn’t just cold but that he had suffered catastrophic injuries.
In plain language, his head had been crushed so as to shatter his skull.”
The infant also suffered deep neck scratches, broken bones throughout his body, and other signs of non-accidental blunt force trauma, according to the post-mortem.
Despite staff rushing his “limp, lifeless body” to the resuscitation area, Brendon could not be saved. Both parents were reportedly outside the hospital smoking when police arrived to arrest them.
History of Concern Before Baby’s Death
The court was told that social services had long-standing concerns about the couple’s ability to care for a child. Gunter and Staddon were living in temporary accommodation, and a social worker had warned them that the baby would likely be removed from their care upon birth.
Issues raised included:
- Gunter’s controlling behavior over Staddon’s finances and social life
- Mental health concerns involving both parents
- A lack of emotional warmth shown toward Brendon
- Poor housing stability
Gunter was also described as being physically aggressive toward both his partner and their son. Nurses testified that he would remove Brendon from his incubator without permission, overstimulate the baby to distress, and even remove his feeding tube against medical advice.
Family and Witness Accounts Paint Grim Picture
Gunter’s aunt, Louise Besica, testified that he was impatient and physically rough with Brendon:
“He was really rough with him with how he was putting him in his babygrow. I felt like he had no patience.”
The prosecution urged the jury to consider the “sheer brutality” of Brendon’s injuries, which a medical examiner confirmed were consistent with violent blunt force trauma—not accidental or natural causes.
Denials from Both Parents
Despite overwhelming evidence presented by the prosecution, both parents denied harming their child.
Gunter told police:
“At no stage did I do anything to Brendon that could have caused him any injury. I was with Sophie the whole time and she didn’t do anything either.”
Staddon also issued a denial:
“I had done nothing to harm Brendon at all. I love him. He was my everything. I would not have harmed him.”
Sentencing Still to Come
Gunter, who has no fixed address, remains in custody awaiting sentencing. A date has yet to be confirmed by the court.
The tragedy has left many asking how a newborn under hospital care—born just two weeks earlier on February 20, 2024—could suffer such violent abuse.
If you or someone you know is struggling with parenting or mental health issues, confidential support is available through organizations like the NSPCC (0808 800 5000) or Mind (0300 123 3393).
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