AXMINSTER POSTMAN CHARGED WITH MURDER OF BABY SON RELEASED ON BAIL - ⚖️

Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News

A Devon postman accused of murdering his one-month-old son in Chard, Somerset, has been released on bail following a court hearing.

Tony Bartlett, 38, from Axminster, is charged with the murder of his infant son, Atticus Bartlett, who died in hospital on 23rd July 2022.

Emergency services were called to an address in Chard at around 11.30 pm on 16th July 2022. Paramedics found Atticus in a critical condition, and he was rushed to hospital. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he tragically died a week later.

Following an investigation by Avon and Somerset Police, Bartlett was charged with murder and appeared at Yeovil Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 4th February. His case was then heard at Bristol Crown Court the following day for a bail application, though he did not attend the hearing in person. The Recorder of Bristol, Judge Peter Blair KC, granted him conditional bail, and he is next due to appear at Bristol Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 16th April.

Catherine Flint appeared for the prosecution, while Ian Morrell represented Bartlett. No further details of the case were discussed in court at this stage.

Detective Superintendent Lorett Spierenburg, who is leading the investigation, described the case as “deeply sad” and acknowledged the impact it has had on the family and the wider community.

“This remains a deeply upsetting time for Atticus’s family,” she said. “Our thoughts are with them, and we will continue to provide them with specialist support as legal proceedings progress.

“We would please ask on their behalf that their privacy is respected.”

The senior officer also recognised that the serious nature of the charge would be distressing for people in Chard.

“The murder charge is likely to cause a great deal of shock and upset,” she said. “A neighbourhood team will be available to assist anyone with concerns.”

She also urged the public to refrain from speculation about the case, warning that doing so could not only cause additional distress to Atticus’s loved ones but could also interfere with the legal process.

“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,” she said.

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

The case will continue to move forward via the Bristol Crown Court in the coming months.