Man found guilty of murdering three-month-old baby after ‘snapping’ at infant’s crying

Wharmby denied the charges against him, but was found guilty of murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent by a majority jury verdict yesterday, October 29.

The 24-year-old will be sentenced at a later date.

Emergency services were called just after 5.30am on July 15, 2022, to a property on Queen Street, Ramsgate, where Hunter was pale and unresponsive with a visibly swollen head.

The baby was immediately taken to a local hospital, where medical staff alerted officers from Kent Police.

Officers attended and Hunter was transferred to a London facility due to the nature of his injuries.

Doctors confirmed that the young victim had sustained a fractured skull, resulting in a large swelling in his brain.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Hunter died in hospital that afternoon.

The court heard how Hunter suffered a “severe direct impact” to the head akin to that seen in “a high-speed motorcycle collision or a multi-level fall.”

Wharmby, not Hunter’s biological father, was caring for the baby overnight while his partner, Shannon Hodges, slept.

Canterbury Crown Court then heard how Wharmby had visited a pornography website around 10 minutes before the child’s mother called for an ambulance for the “lifeless” infant.

She told the 999 call handler: “My two-month-old son woke up this morning with a swollen head. It’s really, really squishy. Every time I touch his head he screams.”

Specialist detectives from the force completed an extensive investigation, during which they examined complex medical and forensic evidence.

Detectives from Kent Police also analysed digital forensic material.

It was established that Wharmby had lied about the sequence of events leading up to Hunter’s death, and that he had deliberately inflicted a fatal injury upon the infant shortly before the 999 call was made.

The investigation also concluded that Wharmby had previously caused injury to Hunter, which was consistent with the baby having been violently shaken.

Forensic pathologist Dr Nathaniel Cary told the court Hunter’s injuries were the result of severe trauma, such as being “thrown to floor or against a solid direct upright surface”.

Consultant paediatric neurosurgeon Amedeo Calisto added: “Everything that could have been broken was broken here.”

Senior Investigating Officer at Kent Police, Detective Inspector Adam Marshall, said: “This was a deeply distressing case involving the death of a very young baby, and our determination to establish what had happened to Hunter, and secure justice on his behalf, was unwavering.

“The investigation team worked meticulously to scrutinise the evidence and build a case which ultimately exposed the truth behind Wharmby’s lies, and ensure he was brought before the courts to answer for his appalling actions.”

DI Marshall continued: “No outcome could lessen the devastating loss suffered by Hunter’s family, but I hope this verdict provides some measure of accountability.

“Throughout this lengthy and incredibly difficult process, Hunter’s loved ones have shown remarkable courage and strength.

“Despite their immense grief, they provided vital evidence and remained steadfast in their support of the investigation.

“We are grateful for their resilience, and our thoughts remain with them as they continue to come to terms with their loss.”