Staffordshire Police

Man jailed for Cannock baby death

A Cannock man has been jailed for seven years for killing his three-month old son.

Luke Goode died from head injuries on 22 October 2009 at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

He was transferred to Birmingham for treatment after being taken to Stafford Hospital following an incident at his home in Lupin Drive, Huntington, Cannock, two days earlier.

His father Jonathan Goode initially claimed that he accidentally dropped Luke in the bathroom, causing him to bang his head on the floor.

But medical evidence revealed that Luke had instead suffered a blunt blow to the head which was not consistent with Goode’s story.

A detailed inquiry was launched into the death by Staffordshire Police’s Major Investigation Department.

Goode (29) was charged with his son’s murder, which he denied, and was convicted by jurors of manslaughter at Birmingham Crown Court following a four-week trial. He was sentenced to seven years in jail.

Det Ch Insp Tim Martin, who led the inquiry, said: “Goode concocted a story to cover his tracks after inflicting fatal injuries on Luke.

“A thorough inquiry was carried out using evidence from medical experts to prove that Luke’s death wasn’t accidental.

“Any death is tragic, but to lose a life at such a young age is particularly heart-breaking. Luke was too small to defend himself and was killed by the person who was supposed to protect him.

“Staffordshire Police is committed to fully investigating all crimes against children and works very closely with partners to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.”