A Warminster man has been jailed for life for the murder of his one-month-old baby son.

James Lawton, 27, of Boreham Field, Warminster, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years.

The court heard how his son, Colby Lawton, suffered "horrific injuries" before dying after a "violent shaking."

Mr Lawton was found guilty by unanimous verdict of one count of murder and one count of grievous bodily harm at Reading Crown Court, on November 26.

At the same hearing, Chantelle Stroud, aged 25, of Ashridge Court, Newbury, was found not guilty of one count of causing or allowing the death of a child, and one count of cruelty to a child. Lawton was also found not guilty to one count of cruelty to a child.

On Saturday, May 9, 2020, officers were called to an address in Fountain Gardens, Ashridge Court, Newbury, by South Central Ambulance Service following reports that a one month old baby boy was in cardiac arrest.

The baby, Colby Lawton, was taken to hospital for treatment but tragically later died.

Lawton was charged in connection with the incident on May 25 this year. Stroud was charged on June 29 this year.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Blaik, of the Thames Valley Police’s major crime unit, said: “Over the last four weeks, the jury have heard how a defenceless baby, just a month old, had sustained the most terrible injuries at the hands of his father James Lawton.

“Colby was assaulted on at least two occasions resulting in horrific injuries; with the final assault of violent shaking just moments before his death on May 9, 2020.

“Lawton denied causing any harm to Colby but the jury have seen through his continued lies and found him guilty today of his murder.

“This investigation has been extremely complex, requiring the assistance of numerous medical experts, a dedicated team of detectives and police staff working with our colleagues from the CPS.

“This has had a profound effect on everyone that has worked on this investigation and I am extremely grateful for their dedication and professionalism.

“The sentenced passed today truly reflects the utterly vile way that this defenceless child lost his life at the hands of James Lawton, his father who should have been his protector.”