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Father Jailed for Killing Baby Leon in Fatal Shaking
15 May
Summary
- Father jailed nine years for fatally shaking 14-week-old son Leon.
- CCTV showed father hitting baby in KFC three days before death.
- Father admitted manslaughter, claiming momentary frustration.
Gareth Stark, 38, has been sentenced to nine years imprisonment for causing the death of his 14-week-old son, Leon. The infant suffered fatal head, eye, and spine injuries.
CCTV footage from October 9, 2023, revealed Stark striking Leon at a KFC restaurant in Stafford. Three days later, on October 12, 2023, Stark contacted emergency services reporting Leon was unresponsive. Leon was taken to hospital, where he died eight days later.
Stark pleaded guilty to manslaughter and battery in January, admitting to a "momentary shake" in frustration. He had initially misled paramedics, claiming he found Leon unresponsive. The court noted the prior KFC assault as an aggravating factor, demonstrating the October 12 incident was not isolated.
During sentencing, Judge Paul Farrer KC highlighted the gross breach of trust by a father in sole care of his child. Leon's mother expressed devastation, stating her life "horrifically fell apart" with her son's death. Stark has a history of mental illness and a prior conviction for criminal damage.
