Father, 34, admits killing his son who died two years after he ‘forcefully’ shook him at four weeks old because he was ‘tired and frustrated’ by the baby crying
- Young Leo Banks died at his home in Chichester, West Sussex, in February 2020
- He received treatment for head injuries he suffered as a baby in December 2017
- Father Matthew Banks, of Gilbert Road, Chichester, admitted manslaughter
Matthew Banks, of Gilbert Road, Chichester, admitted manslaughter at Winchester Crown Court
A father has admitted killing his son after he ‘forcefully’ shook him when he was just four weeks old – because he was ‘tired and frustrated’ by his crying.
Two-year-old Leo Banks died at his home in Chichester, West Sussex, in February 2020 after receiving specialist treatment for head injuries he suffered as a baby in December 2017.
Matthew Banks, 34, was interviewed by police about the injuries and admitted shaking Leo ‘quite vigorously’ while he was looking after him during the night.
He said Leo had been crying hysterically and seemed stressed during a feed, leading Banks to become frustrated and tired.
In the morning, Leo’s mother woke up and realised her baby was unwell and sought medical help.
Banks, of Gilbert Road, Chichester, had a charge of manslaughter authorised by the CPS, followed an investigation by officers from the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit into the death.
He admitted the charge today at Winchester Crown Court.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Owen Watkins, said: ‘This is a heart-breaking case that has resulted in the tragic and untimely death of an innocent two-year-old boy.
‘Matthew Banks was one of the people trusted to look after and care for Leo, but instead his actions caused injuries that Leo was sadly unable to recover from.
‘We are relieved to secure a guilty plea at court, as it means Leo’s family no longer face the additional trauma of reliving his death through a trial… Our thoughts continue to be with them all at this incredibly difficult time.’
Banks will return for sentence on October 21.
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