Dad who murdered baby son waited 30 minutes to call 999 and claimed he 'fell off lap'

Dad who murdered baby son waited 30 minutes to call 999 and claimed he 'fell off lap' Bradley Thomas caused fatal injuries when he shook his three-month-old son Emmerson-Oak Thomas with 'violence and force' before lying to police, a court heard A dad who shook his three-month-old son to death before claiming the tot fell off his lap has been jailed. "Sleep deprived" Bradley Thomas left three-month-old Emmerson-Oak Thomas with fatal injuries after shaking him with "violence and force" in the early hours of October 5 last year, a court heard. Emmerson began having difficulty breathing and displayed unusual arm movements after the attack - but Thomas waited 30 minutes after waking his partner to call 999. The baby was then taken to James Cook University Hospital and later transferred to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he died in the early hours of October 8, aged three months and 16 days old. Thomas, 23, was today found guilty of murder at Teesside Crown Court and jailed for a minimum of 14 years. Sentencing Thomas, Mr Justice Sheldon KC said Emmerson was "a baby with a lovely smile, who had already brought much joy to the family, and had his whole life ahead of him." He said Emmerson was a "healthy baby who was progressing through the normal milestones" - but that Thomas' actions denied him a life. Mr Sheldon said Thomas was sleep-deprived and became "frustrated" when Emmerson would not settle through the night. At the time, he had an agreement with his partner to do the night feeds as she provided care for Emmerson during the day when Thomas was working, the court heard. Mr Sheldon said that while Thomas regretted the injuries he had caused his son, he repeatedly "did not tell those who were trying to save Emmerson's life". During a second police interview, Thomas said that Emmerson had fell from his knee onto the floor because he had fallen asleep on the sofa, reports Teesside Live. When asked if he had shaken his son, Thomas lied and told police he hadn't. But evidence later showed that Thomas shook his son with "such violence and force he was caused severe and irreversible brain injuries" Thomas, of Grasmere Road in Redcar, was handed a life sentence, of which he must serve a minimum of 14 years. Senior Investigating Officer, T/Detective Superintendent Deb Fenny said: "This has been an incredibly distressing and emotive investigation involving the tragic death of a three-month-old baby who should have had his whole life ahead of him. Throughout this investigation, my team remained absolutely focused on securing justice for Emerson-Oak. "Nothing can undo the devastating loss suffered by Emerson-Oak's family, nor can any sentence bring him back. However, today's outcome ensures that Bradley Thomas has been held responsible for his actions. Thankfully the jury saw through the false account he repeatedly sought to present. "The death of any child is heartbreaking, but the circumstances of this case were particularly harrowing. Despite the challenges, those involved never lost sight of the victim at the heart of this investigation. Emerson-Oak deserved a voice, and we were determined to ensure his story was heard. "I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this investigation and subsequent prosecution, from the first responding officers/paramedics who worked tirelessly to save Emerson-Oak's life, to the detectives, forensic specialists and support staff who painstakingly gathered and presented the evidence. I am also grateful for the dedication and expertise of the Crown Prosecution Service and the King's Counsel in securing this conviction. "The professionalism, compassion and unwavering commitment shown throughout this investigation have been exemplary. All those involved should be proud of the part they played in delivering justice for Emerson-Oak, they are a credit to Cleveland Police."