Daniel Gunter has been jailed for life after murdering his son, Brendan, at Yeovil Hospital. Picture: Avon & Somerset Police

Daniel Gunter jailed for life for murder of his two-week-old son in Yeovil

Paul JonesOctober 3, 20250 Comment0

DANIEL Gunter – who murdered his two-week-old son at Yeovil Hospital – has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years.

The 27-year-old was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court this afternoon (October 3), after being found guilty of murder by a jury at the same court in July.

Gunter, of no fixed address, was found to have killed baby Brendan during an assault at the hospital in the early hours of February 20, 2024.

The court heard how Brendan – who had been born prematurely – sustained “catastrophic” and fatal injuries in the attack, including a shattered skull and multiple broken bones.

Nurses and doctors fought to save the child’s life after his mother, Sophie Staddon, asked for their help, describing Brendon as “feeling cold”.

Gunter was arrested by police outside the hospital at 4.51am, and baby Brendon died eight minutes later.

In body-worn camera footage released by police after the verdict, Gunter can be heard telling Brendon’s mother he loves her as he is led away by officers.

He also tells the officers how “she’s my witness and I’m her witness”.

Gunter was arrested outside Yeovil District Hospital. Picture: Avon & Somerset Police

A charge of murder against Staddon, 21, was dismissed.

At the sentencing hearing, Charles Row KC, prosecuting, said: “There was a clear intention to kill, demonstrated by the sheer brutality of the attack.”

An impact statement from Daniel’s father – Simon Gunter – on behalf of the family, said visits to see baby

Brendan had become “a memory we would hold so dear, which we will treasure forever”.

“He didn’t even have a chance to give us his first smile. We never got to experience birthdays, Christmas or take him on holiday,” he added.

“We’ll never experience all grandparents share with their grandchildren. There will forever be a huge hole in our hearts.”

Defending Gunter, Andrew Langdon KC, said he had endured a difficult childhood and lived with learning difficulties, and did not have a record of serious violence.

“His learning difficulties, lack of emotional understanding, detachment and abuse he suffered when he was young, none of those were his fault,” he told the court.

Gunter was jailed for life, with a minimum term of 20 years. He has already served 491 days, so will remain behind bars for at least 18 years and 239 days.

After the hearing, Senior Investigating Officer Det Ch Insp Nadine Partridge, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Gunter’s actions against Brendon are diabolical and that innocent baby has had a potential happy and long future taken away from him.

“The injuries which Brendon sustained were catastrophic and there wasn’t a part of his body which wasn’t bruised or broken. To think someone could do such vicious things to an innocent child does break my heart.

“I would like to give my condolences to Brendon’s wider family, who have all been affected by his death and they have been incredibly brave when supporting the investigation.

“This has been a long and complex investigation, involving several different departments and outside agencies, and I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to everyone who assisted us in getting this case across the line and brought before judge and jury.”

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “In his short life Brendon Staddon was repeatedly mistreated by his father while in hospital before finally suffering a brutal and horrifying assault. His death is both shocking and heart-breaking and our thoughts are with all those who loved him.

“Babies and young children are totally dependent on the adults around them for care and attention and are particularly vulnerable to abuse. It is vital the Child Safeguarding Practice Review identifies any ways in which Brendon could have been better protected in an effort to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.”

Anyone concerned about a child’s safety can contact the local authority, the police or the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or at help@nspcc.org.uk. Always call emergency services on 999 if someone is in immediate danger.