Dad murdered his crying nine-week-old baby in momentary loss of control

LEON Mathias murdered his nine-week-old son during a momentary loss of control when the baby was crying, a jury has ruled.

The dad was convicted today by a ten-to-two majority verdict following a 13-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Mathias (34) had been upstairs alone with baby Hunter on November 30, 2018. The child suffered such a severe brain injury that he died three days later.

The trial heard from 14 medical experts about the injuries Hunter (below) suffered in his short life. He had a number of fractures and bruising to his head at the time of his death.

Det Chief Insp Mark Oughton said: “This has been a protracted and complex investigation and trial, and I welcome the decision reached by the jury today.

“Mathias was first arrested by detectives on December 5, 2018, before being bailed and re-arrested on Thursday, October 17, 2019.

“He was later charged with Hunter’s murder and Section 18 assault on 1 February 2021. He provided ‘no comment’ in interview.

“We will never know exactly what happened during Hunter’s bathtime on 30 November 2018.

“What we do know is that he suffered catastrophic injuries at the hands of his father. I am pleased justice has been served today.”

Mathias, of Stonebridge Lane, Great Houghton, was found not guilty of the Section 18 assault.

He will be sentenced at the same court on Thursday.