Parents on Trial for Murder After Two-Week-Old Baby Found with “Catastrophic Injuries” at Somerset Hospital

Brendon Staddon suffered ‘catastrophic injuries’ to his head, neck, legs and jaw, while in the special care baby unit at the Yeovil District Hospital

A newborn baby found with devastating injuries at Yeovil District Hospital in Somerset sparked a murder investigation, a court heard this week. Two-week-old Brendon Staddon was discovered in his cot with extensive trauma to nearly every part of his body. His parents, Daniel Gunter, 27, and Sophie Staddon, 23, are now on trial at Bristol Crown Court, accused of murder and causing or allowing the death of their infant son.

The court heard that Brendon, born on 20 February 2024, was in the hospital’s special care baby unit when hospital staff were alerted by Staddon, who told nurses her baby felt cold. Upon checking, nurses found the baby unresponsive with his babygrow open, revealing what prosecutors described as “catastrophic injuries.”

Prosecutor Charles Row KC told the jury that the baby's skull had been shattered and his body was “badly bruised from head to toe,” with “deep scratches on his neck.” A post-mortem later revealed a broken neck, broken jaw, broken legs, ankles, and wrists. The cause of death was determined to be blunt force impact to the head, with evidence pointing to a non-accidental trauma. A consultant pathologist compared the severity of the injuries to the force of a heavy television falling on a child’s head.

Daniel Gunter, 27, and Sophie Staddon, 23, appeared before Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday accused of murder and causing or allowing their son’s death

As medical staff rushed to resuscitate Brendon, his parents allegedly left the hospital to smoke a cigarette and did not return to check on their child’s condition. They were arrested shortly after.

The prosecution described a history of concern from social services and Gunter’s own family, noting the couple’s apparent lack of emotional connection with their newborn. A social worker had previously warned the couple that their child was to be removed from their care at birth, yet they reportedly showed little concern, focusing instead on housing issues.

While in hospital, Gunter reportedly ignored medical advice, removing Brendon from the incubator, overstimulating him, and even removing his feeding tube. Staff described his behavior during the early hours of 5 March as erratic and oddly animated.

Just after 4 a.m., Staddon approached staff saying Brendon felt cold. When she returned to the room, she reportedly said, “I don’t know if he is alive or not,” to which Gunter replied, “He’s fine, babe, he’s fine.” Moments later, nurses confirmed Brendon was not breathing.

Bristol Crown Court heard how Gunter repeatedly ignored the advice of nurses on the special care baby unit

Prosecutors allege both parents left the hospital while CPR was being administered, choosing not to return during the critical moments of their child’s final struggle. Staddon later claimed she stayed outside, waiting for staff to bring her news.

During police interviews, Gunter denied any involvement in the injuries, stating, “All I can say is that I did nothing, either on purpose or by accident… and nor did Sophie.” Staddon similarly denied harming Brendon and claimed she had no knowledge of anyone else doing so. She admitted the couple had been arguing, and that Gunter demanded a DNA test to prove paternity.

The trial also heard details of the couple’s unstable and allegedly abusive relationship, with Gunter described as violent and controlling, even managing Staddon’s finances and social interactions.

Both defendants, currently of no fixed address, deny all charges. The trial remains ongoing.