Mehmet Tufan, 30, tearfully pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his son Leo, who died at age four from injuries sustained as a baby.
In April 2018, the then 23-year-old father violently shook his five-week-old son in a jealous rage while his girlfriend was out. The assault left baby Leo with catastrophic brain injuries, blindness, and permanent disabilities. Despite efforts to save him, Leo later died in December 2022.
Liverpool Crown Court heard Tufan had been caring for Leo when he became frustrated after a text argument with his partner. He called emergency services claiming Leo was choking on a hair, but doctors suspected the injuries were caused by forceful shaking.
Tufan admitted to shaking his son for several seconds in panic. The attack caused extensive brain damage, retinal hemorrhages, and spinal injuries. Leo spent months in hospital and later lived with his grandmother, reliant on a wheelchair and tube feeding.
Previously sentenced to two years in 2019 for grievous bodily harm, Tufan appeared again this year facing manslaughter charges following Leo’s death. At his recent hearing, Tufan pleaded guilty and broke down in tears.
Sentencing was adjourned until September 2 to allow for reports on Tufan’s background and mental health. Judge Andrew Menary emphasized that the delay should not imply any leniency.
Tufan was released on conditional bail ahead of sentencing.
