A man who “forcefully” shook his baby son at just four weeks old and caused injuries which resulted in the boy’s death has been jailed.

Matthew Banks's son Leo had been crying hysterically and seemed stressed during a feed in the night.

Banks became frustrated and tired and vigorously shook his son.

In the morning Leo’s mother woke up and realised he was unwell and medical help was sought. The shaking had caused head injuries which led to the toddler's death two years later. 

Banks, of Gilbert Road, Chichester, was sentenced to three years and eight months’ imprisonment over the death of his son.

He appeared before Winchester Crown Court.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to manslaughter following an investigation by the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit into the death of the two year-old toddler.

Leo had been receiving specialist in-patient and out-patient treatment for the head injuries he suffered in December 2017 when he was just four weeks old.

But in February 2020 he died of his injuries at home.

Banks, 34, was interviewed by police in relation to those injuries and admitted shaking Leo “quite vigorously” while he was looking after him during the night.

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Investigating officer, Detective Constable Owen Watkins, said: “This is a heartbreaking case that resulted in the tragic and untimely death of an innocent two-year-old boy.

“Matthew Banks was one of the people trusted to look after and care for Leo, but instead his actions caused injuries that Leo was sadly unable to recover from.

“No sentence will ever change what has happened, but this case serves as a reminder to others that we will fully investigate serious crimes such as this, and will hold those responsible to account.

“I’d like to commend all the family for their strength and courage throughout. Our thoughts remain with them at this extremely difficult time.”