Father Admits Killing Baby Son in Violent Shaking Incident

Peter Sayle, 32, has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his six-week-old son, Huxley Sayle, who died in June 2022. The infant succumbed to a traumatic head injury, a consequence of violent shaking, as confirmed by a post-mortem examination.

Sayle initially denied responsibility for Huxley's death for over three and a half years. However, he entered a guilty plea at Preston Crown Court to manslaughter, a plea deemed acceptable by prosecutors. This admission comes after extensive investigation by Lancashire Constabulary.

During the investigation, police discovered internet searches on Sayle's devices, including phrases such as 'baby crying makes me angry dad' and 'tips to deal with frustration and anger.' These searches occurred shortly after the infant's birth.

Huxley was admitted to the hospital in the early hours of June 14, 2022, after his mother reported him not breathing. A CT scan revealed unexplained bleeding in his brain, raising suspicions of a shaking-type injury. He was transferred to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, where he never regained consciousness. Treatment was withdrawn on July 14, 2022.

Medical experts concluded that Huxley's skull and brain injuries were consistent with violent shaking. The post-mortem also identified two rib fractures, which were deemed inconsistent with CPR and more likely caused by forceful gripping or squeezing during the shaking incident.

Sayle is scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Fallows stated that the plea finally holds Sayle accountable for assaulting and causing baby Huxley's death, achieving justice for the infant after years of denial.