Man, 24, is found guilty of murdering his girlfriend's three-month-old son after 'snapping' when the baby wouldn't stop crying

Tyla Wharmby, 24, of Ramsgate, Kent, inflicted catastrophic head injuries on 13-week-old Hunter Hodges — injuries a court heard were comparable to those seen in a high-speed motorcycle crash. Hunter was found pale and unresponsive with a severely swollen head at a Queen Street property at 5.30am on 15 July 2022, and died in hospital that afternoon. Wharmby had been left to look after Hunter through the night while the baby's mother, Shannon Hodges, slept.

Medical examination found that Hunter had suffered a fractured skull and significant brain swelling caused by a 'severe direct impact'.

Digital and forensic evidence showed Wharmby visiting a pornography website around ten minutes before the 999 call was placed.

Investigators further established that Wharmby had caused an earlier injury to Hunter consistent with violent shaking; a sentencing date has yet to be set.