BARNSLEY FATHER JAILED FOR SHAKING BABY TO DEATH
A dad from Barnsley, Anton Shields, 39, was convicted for violently shaking his two-month-old baby Cody, resulting in fatal brain injuries.The incident occurred in Bamford where Shields was entrusted with the care of Cody while the mother went to a post office.
Prosecutors described that Shields "violently shook" the infant with "a high degree of force," possibly causing the baby to hit his head on the arm of a sofa.
Despite initial denial, Shields later admitted to shaking Cody after he became unresponsive, which led to the child's death two days later after life support was withdrawn.
The cause of death was determined as head injury, confirming the violent shaking inflicted on the baby.
Justice Mr.
Andrew Baker QC sentenced Shields to nine years in prison, stating, “Cody was described by his mother as her ‘little bundle of joy’ and she remains haunted by his loss.
What you did to Cody only you can exactly say, but you must have used a level of force that any sane person would see was excessive.
Violence towards a baby cannot be acceptable.
He only lived two months and that was because you, Anton Shields, did violence on him that killed him when he was alone in your care.
You did a horribly dangerous thing that had the worst consequences.” Shields pleaded guilty to manslaughter earlier in the month, on the first day of his trial.
Evidence indicated he was trusted to care for the child but was seen by witnesses standing outside the kitchen after hearing Cody crying and then going silent.
Medical experts unanimously agreed the death resulted from violent shaking.
Shields has no previous convictions and expressed remorse, citing his depression, anxiety, lack of parenting skills, and the side effects of the inoculations as contributing factors.
