Reading Crown Court: GUILTY! Newbury baby murderer James Lawton to be sentenced at 2pm today

THE father in a Newbury baby murder trial has been convicted of torturing and killing his infant son.

But the mother has been cleared of wrongdoing.

Four-week-old Colby Lawton suffered 50 broken bones, a skull fracture and partial strangulation before he died.

Jurors at Reading Crown Court today, Friday, found his father James Lawton, aged 28, of Boreham Field in Warminster, Wiltshire, guilty of murder and of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Colby's mother Chantelle Stroud, of Newtown Road, Newbury, was acquitted of causing or allowing the death of a child.

The baby was killed on May 9 last year at Fountain Gardens, Ashridge Court, Newbury,

Eloise Marshall QC, prosecuting, said a skull fracture that happened days before his death was the result of Colby's head being smashed against a hard surface; that there were 77 bruises on his body, signs of strangulation, multiple shattered ribs and broken legs.

The final, fatal shaking was so severe it resulted in brain damage so bad it resembled injuries typical of a 90mph car crash, the court heard.

Lawton has sought to blame Ms Stroud but that was simply not credible, said Ms Marshall.

Ms Stroud sobbed as the jury cleared her.

Lawton will learn his sentence at 2pm today.

Check back with newburytoday.co.uk for the result.