PAUL RICH SHOCKING KILLING IN SHRIVENHAM: BABY BOY PATRICK BRADLEY DIES IN BRISTOL COURT

In a tragic case that has shocked the community of Shrivenham and the surrounding areas, a man named Paul Rich has admitted to the manslaughter of a three-month-old infant, Patrick Bradley. The incident occurred in March 2017, and the court proceedings have revealed disturbing details about the circumstances leading to the child's death.

Paul Rich, aged 53 and a resident of Sandy Lane in Shrivenham, faced a court in Bristol where he pleaded guilty to the manslaughter charge. The court heard that Rich's actions were the result of a momentary loss of control driven by frustration and emotional turmoil while caring for Patrick. The tragic event unfolded during a night when Rich was alone with the baby, as Patrick’s mother, Kirsty Bradley, was out with her other partner.

According to the prosecution, Sally Howes QC, Paul Rich had initially accepted that he was the biological father of Patrick, believing he would be named on the birth certificate. However, doubts arose when Rich, feeling uneasy, questioned his wife about the paternity of the child. Kirsty Bradley responded ambiguously, saying, “Possibly, I don’t know,” which appeared to deepen Rich’s suspicions.

Rich attempted to justify the injuries inflicted on Patrick by claiming that the baby had been dropped from his arms into a Moses basket. However, medical evidence presented in court contradicted this explanation, indicating that the injuries were far more severe and consistent with deliberate harm. The injuries included compression to the ribs, shaking, and a significant blunt force trauma to the head, which could not be explained by a simple fall.

On the night of the incident, in the early hours of March 25, 2017, Rich was caring for Patrick at his home in Swindon. The court was told that Patrick’s mother was out with her other partner at the time. Shortly after the injuries occurred, at approximately 3:15 a.m., Rich called emergency services, reporting that the baby was unwell. In his call to the 999 operator, he described the situation, saying, “It’s the baby. Just got him out of his cot. He’s not looking right to me. His eyes are semi-open and he seems all floppy to me.”

Paramedics responded swiftly, and Patrick was transported to Great Western Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, his condition deteriorated, and his life support was withdrawn on March 30. Tragically, Patrick passed away shortly afterward, with his mother holding him in her arms.

Following his arrest on suspicion of attempted murder, Paul Rich maintained that he was simply caring for the child and insisted, “I am just a family man,” adding, “I wouldn’t hurt a child.” However, the evidence presented in court painted a different picture. Rich initially pleaded guilty to manslaughter, claiming that he had accidentally dropped Patrick from his arms into the Moses basket, which was on the floor, from a height of approximately 3 to 4 feet. The court heard that Rich was exhausted and frustrated at the time, which contributed to his loss of control.

Expert testimony indicated that the injuries sustained by Patrick were consistent with deliberate infliction, and the prosecution argued that all injuries occurred during a single assault. The court was told that the incident was a spur-of-the-moment act, driven by emotional distress rather than premeditation. This explanation was considered significant in accepting Rich’s plea of manslaughter.

Originally, Rich faced charges of murder and two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. However, after his guilty plea to manslaughter, the prosecution accepted the plea and withdrew the murder charge, with the other charges ordered to lie on file. Mr. Justice Soole adjourned sentencing until the following Wednesday and remanded Rich into custody pending further proceedings.