Man charged with murder of one-month-old son

Police have been investigating the death for more than two years

A man charged with the murder of his one-month-old son has made a second court appearance.

Tony Bartlett, 38, of St Andrews Drive, Axminster, is accused of killing Atticus Bartlett in Chard, Somerset, on 23 July 2022.

He was remanded in custody at Yeovil Magistrates Court on Tuesday, but was released on conditional bail after a hearing at Bristol Crown Court earlier.

Mr Bartlett did not enter a plea and his next hearing, at the same court, was set for 16 April.

Avon and Somerset Police Det Supt Lorett Spierenburg said an "extensive police investigation" had been carried out over the past two-and-a-half years into the "deeply sad" incident.

"This remains a deeply upsetting time for Atticus' family," she said, adding that they had asked for privacy and would continue to be given specialist support.

Det Supt Spierenburg added: "We understand this development will likely cause a great deal of shock and upset in Chard and the local neighbourhood team will be available to assist anyone who has concerns.

'Further distress'

"The full details of what happened will be presented in court during subsequent hearings and therefore we'd please request people are patient and do not speculate on the circumstances at this time.

"Such speculation will likely not only cause further distress to Atticus' family, but also could prejudice the future legal proceedings and prevent the defendant from having the right to a fair trial."