Baby Shaken to Death After Dad’s Furious Row
Haroldas Bugaila, 29, brutally shook his 11-week-old son Martinas to death following a bitter argument with his partner. The horrific incident unfolded on March 27, 2019.
Catastrophic Injuries Like a Fatal Car Crash
Lincoln Crown Court heard the tiny tot suffered a “catastrophic brain injury” similar to those from a high-speed car crash. Despite desperate attempts to save him, Martinas died days later on April 2.
Dad Sentenced to Minimum 23 Years
Bugaila, once of Granville Street, Boston, was ordered to serve at least 23 years behind bars after being found guilty of murder and causing grievous bodily harm to Martinas during February and March 2019.
He was also convicted of two serious assaults against Martinas’ twin brother.
Warning Signs Ignored
Prosecutors revealed Bugaila had previously threatened to “make the boys cry” if their mother spoke to him in ways he disliked.
On the fatal day, following a spat with his partner Aliona, Bugaila was left alone with the twins briefly. Moments later, he shouted, “Come here, there’s something wrong.”
“Aliona ran upstairs and looked in the cot. Martinas was on his back. He looked completely white. His eyes were closed and he wasn’t breathing,” said prosecutor Jonas Hankin QC.
“The infant was turning blue as his mother frantically tried resuscitation. Martinas would have collapsed immediately or within seconds of being assaulted, such was the severity of his injury.”
Police Pay Tribute to Officers Under Pressure
Det Supt Karl Whiffen from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit praised the investigation team. “The emotive nature of child death cases means the officers worked under tremendous pressure,” he said.
“Our sincerest hope is that the surviving twin will continue to recover.”
