A FATHER has been convicted of murdering his baby son.

Robert Hinz is facing life in prison after jurors sitting at Winchester Crown Court found him guilty of battering baby Julian to death last year.

The tot was rushed to hospital on April 8 after suffering a fractured skull and a bleed to the brain at the family's home in Carysfort Road, Boscombe.

Doctors made the decision to turn off life support the following day.

Post mortem examinations revealed Julian had suffered at least 42 fractures in the three months between his birth and his death.

Hinz, 34, who was also convicted of one count of causing grievous bodily harm without intent and two of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, will return to Winchester Crown Court to be sentenced at a date yet to be fixed.

The court was told that Julian died as a result of severe blunt force impact head injury as a result of being thrown vigorously onto a blunt object or surface and that his father Hinz was responsible.

On the day of the murder Julian had been put in his cot to sleep by his mother, before she went out shopping. She described Julian as being in a healthy condition before she left, prosecutors said.

The cot was located in the parents' bedroom and Hinz had been sleeping on a bed near to the cot at the time.

Around 15 minutes later Hinz was heard shouting "call an ambulance he is not breathing".

Julian's uncle entered the room and phoned the emergency services. Hinz proceeded to give Julian CPR, the court heard.

Neighbours described hearing shouting, voices arguing and a loud thud around the time of the incident, the court was told.

When paramedics arrived, they found Julian to be in cardiac arrest and not breathing. The baby was given CPR and oxygen before being taken to hospital.

Prosecutors told the court that Hinz was seen punching a wall with his fist before throwing a cupboard door across the room and was told to stop and to help the paramedics.

When police arrived, Hinz was seen attempting to get into his car to follow the ambulance, however was stopped by officers as one could smell alcohol on his breath. He was escorted to hospital by officers.

Nigel Lickley QC, prosecuting, told the court: "The simple fact is that an assault caused the injuries to Julian Hinz. They cannot be explained by any accident, medical condition or illness. He was subjected to severe violence."

Detective Inspector Richard Dixey, of Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team, said: "Any young child is utterly dependent on its parents for its safety and protection.

"A baby - just months old - is particularly vulnerable and needs almost constant attention and nurturing from its parents.

"Robert Hinz did not provide this protection. Instead he subjected his own son to months of violent episodes culminating in Julian's murder.

"This case is heartbreaking. My sincere thoughts are with the family of Julian, who has lost a son, brother and nephew.

"I would also like to praise the professionalism of all officers, staff and colleagues from partner agencies who worked on this extremely challenging and difficult investigation.

"If you think a child is being abused or neglected, please report your concerns at www.dorset.police.uk and follow the ‘Do it online’ function. Here you can pass all the details of your concerns to us via the online enquiry form. You can also email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, please dial 999."