Man jailed for murdering baby son

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A man from Devon who killed his eight-week-old son by shaking him to death has been jailed for life.

Michael Burridge, 28, from Tavistock, was looking after his son, Rees, when his wife Donna went out shopping on 30 September 2006.

He took Rees to hospital where medics said the baby was "blue and lifeless". He died two days later.

The former soldier, who denied murder, was told at Plymouth Crown Court he must serve at least 13 years.

Burridge, a milkman, tried to present himself as a caring father to the jury during the seven-day trial.

He said how he had the baby's name tattooed on his arm just days before the child died.

He also claimed Rees was injured in an accident at home more than three weeks earlier than when he was taken to hospital.

Temper problem

Medical experts said they had found both new and old rib fractures, but doctors believed the fatal injuries were inflicted shortly before Rees was admitted to hospital.

Police also believed Burridge had caused the earlier injuries which left the baby in constant pain for most of his short life.

The judge, Mr Justice Royce, said he was satisfied that there was no premeditated intention to kill.

But he added: "It is clear to me that you did have a problem with your temper and you must have lost it on that day."

He said Burridge was under strain and tired due to working long and unsociable hours as a milkman and the stress of his marriage because he had been cheating on his wife.

Mr Neil Ford, QC, prosecuting, told the jury Burridge's own family had suggested he go to anger management classes because they were worried about his behaviour.

Friends of Burridge had also noticed Rees had bloodshot eyes, possibly because he had been shaken before.