FATHER JAILED FOR LIFE FOR KILLING INFANT SON
A man who killed his nine-week-old baby by shaking him during a brief moment of rage has been sentenced to life imprisonment.Leon Mathias, aged 34, caused horrific injuries to his son, Hunter, at their home in Barnsley, as described by a judge.
The infant succumbed to severe brain trauma after being taken to hospital in November 2018.
Mathias, residing on Stonebridge Lane in Greater Houghton, received a sentence at Sheffield Crown Court, with a minimum term of 16 years.
Mrs Justice Lambert described his conduct as 'truly horrifying' and 'difficult to grasp.' She stated, 'You lost your temper and vented your frustration on your nine-week-old son.
Your behaviour was nothing short of grotesque.' During the trial, it was noted that Mathias showed no remorse or emotion.
The proceedings began in November.
Following the sentencing, family members in the courtroom shouted support and claimed innocence as Mathias was taken away.
The court heard that on 30 November 2018, Mathias had shaken Hunter in a moment of frustration after the child went to the toilet in the bath.
At the time, Hunter’s mother, Becky Higginbottom, was downstairs with a friend and was alerted when Mathias shouted for help after the baby became floppy.
Hunter was initially taken to Barnsley Hospital with cardiac and respiratory arrest, then transferred to Sheffield Children’s Hospital, where he died three days later.
Medical tests revealed serious brain and eye injuries, scalp bruising, and fractured leg bones.
Mathias was detained in December 2018 but was not officially charged until February 2021.
Although he denied hurting his son, he was found guilty of murder on 30 January.
Prosecutor Tom Storey highlighted the defendant’s trustworthiness and vulnerability of the victim as aggravating factors.
Despite his guilt, Mathias’s partner supported him throughout the trial, and friends and family described him as a caring and devoted parent.
In mitigation, Peter Griffiths KC argued that Mathias’s actions were completely out of character and happened within seconds.
He also referenced a distressing 999 call played during court, which demonstrated Mathias’s immediate efforts to assist his son.
The defense attorney suggested the judge set a minimum term lower than the usual 15-year guideline, emphasizing the devastating impact on Mathias’s life.
Mrs Justice Lambert acknowledged that Mathias did not intend to kill his son and that he 'snapped' out of frustration.
However, she expressed concern over his dishonesty regarding the incident and his focus on his own situation amid efforts to save Hunter.
Having reviewed detailed medical evidence, she was convinced that Mathias was responsible for the injuries.
Addressing him directly, she said, 'It is truly horrifying that you broke the trust inherent in your role as a parent by inflicting violence on your defenceless nine-week-old son for no legitimate reason, simply because you had a hard day at work.' In conclusion, she emphasised how his frustration led to shaking his son and betrayed the special parent-child trust.
