Man faces life for son's murder

A jury at Cardiff Crown Court found the father guilty

A 39-year-old father who murdered his six-month old son then tried to kill his two-month-old boy has been convicted.

The Gwent man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was described by the Cardiff Crown Court judge as a "very dangerous man".

For a very long time he will be a very dangerous man

Mr Justice Pitchford

He was told he faces a life sentence.

After five hours of deliberation, the jury found the man guilty of murder, attempted murder and four charges of causing the children grievous bodily harm with intent.

Psychiatric report

The judge, Mr Justice Pitchford, adjourned sentencing for six weeks for the preparation of a psychiatric report.

It will help the judge determine how long the man should serve before being considered for parole.

The jury heard the man's first son was initially thought to be a victim of sudden infant death syndrome, or "cot death".

A post-mortem examination was unable to find any natural disease or suspicious signs.

Fractures

Seven fractures to the baby's chest were not spotted in an X-ray taken by a consultant investigating the problem - until an expert radiologist was involved.

The jury heard the fractures were consistent with a child being "severely squeezed".

They were not seen until a police investigation was launched after a nurse found the man trying to smother his second son, who was nearly two months old at the time, at hospital in November 1999.

During the trial, prosecutor Robin Spencer said: "The nurse could hardly believe her eyes. It seems almost unbelievable that any father should harm his own babies in this way.

'Horror'

"Cases of this sort generate strong emotions. They are the sort of crimes that arouse horror and indignation," said the barrister.

The court was told the first son had been taken to hospital after he had stopped breathing while on a family caravan holiday.

He was murdered three weeks later.

Mr Spencer said the second son suffered a series of "frightening episodes".

He said: "It was then realised it was the same for his brother. This pattern was no mere coincidence. The reason for them stopping breathing was their father deliberately harming them."