In 2019, the Offender Database reported that Christopher Barnes, then 28, of Barlavington Way, Midhurst, West Sussex, was convicted of the manslaughter of his 10-week-old son, Harry. Following a 10-day trial at Lewes Crown Court, the jury returned a majority verdict, also finding the heating engineer guilty of causing grievous bodily harm without intent.
The investigation by the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team revealed that baby Harry collapsed at his home on 24 June 2017. He was rushed to Southampton General Hospital, where it was discovered his heart had stopped and he had suffered “profound” brain injuries. Life support was withdrawn the following day. Expert forensic pathologists emphasised that the injuries—including head trauma—were consistent with “shaking,” a violent act that occurs when a child is subjected to forceful movement.
During the trial, the prosecution emphasised that Barnes had become frustrated with the infant and had “callously” failed in his duty to protect him. Det Ch Insp Emma Heater reported that Harry should have been safe in his father’s care, but instead, Barnes’s actions had a “devastating effect” on the entire family. Despite the gravity of the conviction, Barnes was granted bail until his sentencing hearing on 22 March 2019.
Harry’s mother, Laura Millins, emphasised in a statement that the family had finally obtained the truth after a traumatic two-year wait for justice. Following the verdict, it was reported that the West Sussex Safeguarding Children’s Board would conduct a serious case review to examine the circumstances surrounding the death and identify any lessons for child protection agencies.
As a result of his conviction for manslaughter and GBH, Christopher Barnes faces a significant custodial sentence. Upon release, he will be managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Sussex Police and the probation service to monitor his behaviour and protect the public. Any future risk to children will be strictly managed through these multi-agency frameworks.
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