A dad has been jailed for seven years for killing his baby son.
Jonathan Goode, of Lupin Drive, Huntington, Cannock, initially claimed that he had accidentally dropped his three month-old son Luke on the bathroom floor, causing the tot to bang his head on the floor.
But medical evidence instead revealed that Luke had suffered a blunt blow to the head which was not consistent with his 29-year-old father’s story.
Luke was taken to Stafford Hospital for treatment when it was discovered that he had suffered injuries.
Two days later he was transferred to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where he died from wounds to his head on 22 October 2009. A detailed inquiry was launched into the death by Staffordshire Police’s Major Investigation Department.
Goode was charged with his son’s murder, which he denied,
But he was convicted by jurors of manslaughter at Birmingham Crown Court following a four-week trial. He was sentenced to seven years in jail.
Det Ch Insp Tim Martin, who led the inquiry, said the youngster’s death was “particularly heartbreaking”.
He said: “Goode concocted a story to cover his tracks after inflicting fatal injuries on Luke.
“A thorough inquiry was carried out using evidence from medical experts to prove that Luke’s death wasn’t accidental.
“Any death is tragic, but to lose a life at such a young age is particularly heartbreaking. Luke was too small to defend himself and was killed by the person who was supposed to protect him.
“Staffordshire Police is committed to fully investigating all crimes against children and works very closely with partners to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
