Daniel Sanzone GUILTY of murdering baby son Joshua Millinson
A father has been convicted of abusing and then murdering his newborn baby by shaking him to death at their Wolverhampton home.
Daniel Sanzone vigorously shook 13-day-old Joshua Millinson causing him catastrophic brain injuries he did not survive.
On at least one other occasion 23-year-old Sanzone assaulted his boy who had suffered six rib and six leg fractures.
A jury at Birmingham Crown Court to convict Sanzone of murder and cruelty to a child. He faces a life sentence tomorrow.
Joshua's mother, Zoe Howell,was found not guilty of allowing his death to happen and was freed from the dock.
Adjourning the case, Mr Justice Jay told the court: "I am not proceeding immediately to sentence. In a case of this sort I need to reflect coolly and dispassionately."
Jurors deliberated over three days.
See also: Hear Joshua Millinson's grandmother's frantic 999 call
See also: Killer father Daniel Sanzone has shown 'no remorse', say police
Ambulance crews attended the family home in Whitburn Close, Pendeford, on October 24 last year where Joshua had entered cardiac arrest and was not breathing.
It would later emerge that Sanzone had vigorously shaken Joshua while alone in the living room.
The trial heard Howell, 19, had been in the neighbouring kitchen and heard a loud bang.
Sanzone initially told her it had been a TV remote hitting the floor and would tell police in interview it was the sound of the sofa hitting the wall as he sat back.
But it is believed the sound could have been Joshua being thrown down onto the sofa by Sanzone.
Joshua's grandmother, Sharon Howell, attempted to perform CPR and the baby was rushed to New Cross Hospital before being transferred to Birmingham Childrens' Hospital.
An NSPCC spokesman said: "During his tragically short life, Joshua suffered the most appalling injuries at the hands of a man who should have protected him.
"Whether it is a moment's loss of control or a sustained campaign of abuse, no child should be at risk of harm from their parents.
"It is absolutely vital that anyone speaks out if they are concerned a child is at risk, as it could save a life.
"They can contact the NSPCC helpline in confidence, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk."
He died following nearly a month on life support after the High Court ruled his care should be withdrawn.
Medical examinations revealed some of Joshua's fractures were likely suffered on a date prior to the fatal assault, which led to charges of child cruelty.
His brain injuries were likened to the kind seen in a major road accident and had characteristics commonly associated with where a baby has been shook.
The prosecution had accused Howell of having "turned a blind eye" to the risk of harm to Joshua at the hands of Sanzone.
Miss Sally Howes QC had told the jury it was "inconceivable" she would have been unaware her son was being abused by his father.
She was cleared of all charges at the trial. Sanzone will be sentenced tomorrow at 2pm.
