Overview

• Mr Justice Swift imposed a life sentence with a minimum term of 18 years and 239 days before parole eligibility at Bristol crown court.
• The judge said Daniel Gunter likely held Brendon by the legs and swung him so his head struck a blunt surface multiple times, indicating planning to avoid alerting staff.
• The attack occurred in the early hours of 5 March 2024 on Yeovil District Hospital’s special care baby unit while nurses were close by.
• Brendon’s mother, Sophie Staddon, was acquitted of causing or allowing his death after the jury trial earlier this year.
• A child safeguarding practice review and an NHS inquiry are assessing agency decisions and hospital procedures, with the trust saying findings will be published in the autumn.