Father who stabbed three-week-old son to death jailed for life
A father who stabbed his three-week-old son to death before trying to murder the baby’s mother has been jailed.
Denis Beytula attacked Andrei Stefan as he lay in his Moses basket at the family flat in Portland Close, Wallsend, North Tyneside, on October 2.
On Thursday, Beytula was jailed for life with a minimum term of 23 years at Newcastle Crown Court.
The 27-year-old grabbed a knife and attacked the helpless baby then his partner Andreea Stefan, 21, stabbing her repeatedly.
Beytula then left the flat and Ms Stefan called emergency services.
The father was arrested near the scene while his two victims were transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, where Ms Stefan recovered but Andrei died days later on October 6.
Sentencing Beytula, Judge Paul Sloan QC told him “the victim, your newly-born son, was particularly vulnerable” and the murder took place in what should have been “a place of sanctuary”.
After Beytula, who is from Bulgaria, pleaded guilty in October, Detective Chief Inspector Dave Cole, of Northumbria Police, said: "This was a truly horrific assault that rocked an entire community and even now it is difficult to comprehend how Denis Beytula could commit these offences.
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"His victims were both completely innocent and they were two people he was supposed to love and protect - he betrayed them in the most violent of ways.
"It is tragic when any life is taken away but it is particularly distressing when that life is a beautiful baby boy and I know that has had a profound effect on the wider community.”
Paying tribute to the boy's mother, who is from Romania, Mr Cole added: "She has been a pillar of strength throughout our investigation and I just want to take this opportunity to praise her for her incredible bravery at what continues to be a very difficult time.
"Andreea fought for her life and, because of her determination, she is alive today to see this man put behind bars, but what happened that day will stay with her for the rest of her life.
"Her world will never be the same again but we will continue to offer her all the support she needs so she can try and begin to move on with her life."
In a statement, Ms Stefan, who is Romanian, said: “Denis was a man who was supposed to love me and my son. He was supposed to take care of us and keep us safe.
“But in one moment Denis shattered my whole world. In that one moment my heart was broken and my worst nightmare came true.”
