DAD WHO SHOOK BABY SON TO DEATH JAILED FOR NINE YEARS
A man who caused the death of his infant son by shaking him has received a nine-year prison sentence for manslaughter.Cody Rhys Williams-Jones, only 15 weeks old, died in December 2016 after sustaining injuries described as similar to being thrown from a vehicle over a considerable distance.
Matthew Jones, aged 26 and resident of Beaufort in Blaenau Gwent, claimed that he accidentally dropped Cody during a moment when he was alone with the baby.
During his trial at Newport Crown Court, it was revealed that Cody had suffered 13 broken ribs and a fractured shoulder.
While sentencing, Mr.
Justice Picken stated that seven expert witnesses had unanimously agreed that the injuries were not accidental.
The judge explained that Jones had lost control, with frustration over his inability to soothe Cody while crying escalating into anger.
Jones had previously described his temper as 'white rage,' adding weight to the evidence against him.
The judge highlighted that Jones would carry enduring feelings of guilt, noting that Cody’s death was a direct result of his actions.
The court was told that Jones was alone with Cody at the time, as Cody’s mother, Paula Williams, was out helping her sister.
Jones's frustration grew when he was unable to calm the crying baby, leading to a loss of self-control.
The incident was attributed to a temper flare linked to long, demanding working hours.
In his defense, QC Richard Smith described Jones as a caring young man who loved his son deeply, despite his mistake.
He emphasized that both Jones and Cody’s mother were exhausted and sleep-deprived while trying to manage early parenthood.
Though Jones did not openly admit his guilt, he exhibited genuine remorse.
His sentence will be halved in prison, with the remaining term served under conditional release.
A NSPCC Wales spokesperson stated that Cody was let down by someone whose duty was to protect him, and instead, inflicted severe injuries with tragic outcomes.
