Man jailed for nine years following death of three-month old son

A man has been jailed after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of his three‑month‑old son.

Gareth Stark, 38, of Highfields, Stafford, was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment at Birmingham Crown Court today (Monday 11 May). He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and battery at the same court on 12 January.

Stark called 999 after his son, three-month-old Leon Stark, had breathing difficulties at their home in Stafford on 12 October 2023. Leon was taken to hospital, where doctors found bleeding on his brain, and he was admitted to intensive care.

Stark was arrested in the early hours of 13 October.

Tragically, Leon died in hospital on 20 October 2023. A post‑mortem examination confirmed his cause of death as a traumatic head injury.

Detective Inspector Lisa Holland, from the Major Investigations Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Leon’s mother and his wider family, for who this must remain a particularly difficult time.

“The death of a baby is something that affects every officer involved, and our team worked with great care to establish the truth of what happened.

“We sincerely hope that they can take some measure of comfort from seeing Stark jailed today.”