Paul Thomas, 29, left his child, Oliver Sargent, with injuries that resembled those of a car crash victim after he attacked him in July 2012.
A CT scan found that Oliver had suffered a 8.5cm fracture to his skull and was bleeding on the brain. In addition to this, doctors found evidence of historic abuse including fractured ribs and a fractured collarbone.
Four days after being admitted to hospital at Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital, Oliver died of his injuries.
After the attack Thomas and his wife, Ashlea – who worked as a nursery nurse – were arrested and, sickeningly, the pair tried to claim Oliver’s injuries were caused by the couple’s pet dog. However, the court later heard how Oliver was severely shaken and thrown onto a bed by Thomas before being taken to hospital.
Thomas was handed a 10 year prison sentence after being found guilty of manslaughter, while Ashlea was found guilty of “causing or allowing the death of her son” and was handed a two year suspended sentence.
Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Ernie Locke said: “Our aim was to be the voice of Oliver Sargent in court, and seek out the truth.
“Hopefully we've been able to achieve this. This unthinkable crime has led to the tragic death of an innocent baby.”