Dad who murdered newborn son by shaking him so hard he broke 28 bones jailed for life

Lee Vernon inflicted fatal head injuries on baby McKenzie Ellis in Broadstairs, Kent, then phoned emergency services to report his son was unconscious but claimed he didn't know why

A dad who murdered his six-week-old son by shaking him so hard he suffered 28 broken bones has been jailed for life.

Lee Vernon inflicted fatal head injuries on little McKenzie Ellis in Broadstairs, Kent, and the baby died at a London hospital in July last year.

Kent Police said they were alerted on July 23, 2018, when Vernon called the emergency services to report his son was unconscious and he had no idea why.

When asked if the child had hurt himself in any way he replied "no, not really", police said.

Vernon, 21 and of no fixed address, was found guilty of murder and two counts of grievous bodily harm following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court last month.

Today, Vernon was sentenced to life in prison at the same court and will serve a minimum term of 16 years.

Medical crews found McKenzie had suffered trauma to his head and he died at a specialist trauma unit three days later.

In police interview Vernon said his son had accidentally fallen from his grip, causing the child to hit himself on the arm of a sofa before falling to the floor.

Medical experts however disclosed McKenzie had suffered multiple injuries, some of which would have been caused on at least two previous occasions.

The court previously heard how Vernon had gone online to search 'I grabbed my baby too hard, now has bruises' and 'Have you ever accidentally hurt your child when they are having a meltdown.'

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Vickery, Kent Police's investigating officer for this case, said: "It is impossible to comprehend the unnecessary suffering McKenzie endured during his short life and I am pleased Vernon has received a substantial sentence that means he is not able to harm another child.

"This was a complex and deeply emotional case and I am grateful to the medical experts, and my investigation team, who worked tirelessly to pursue justice for McKenzie."