A date has been set for the trial of a man charged with murdering a one-month-old baby who suffered more than 45 bone fractures following incidents in May 2020. 

James Lawton, of Boreham Field, Warminster, Wiltshire, is expected in the dock from November 1. 

The 27-year-old appeared via video link from HMP Bullingdon at Reading Crown Court this morning following an appearance at Reading Magistrates' Court yesterday. 

READ MORE: Man appears in court charged with murder of baby

He is accused of murdering one-month-old Colby Lawton, who died following a cardiac arrest in May 2020. 

On May 14, 2020, James Lawton and his partner Chantelle Stroud were arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the investigation. 

They were later released on bail. 

On Tuesday, May 25, 2021, they were both re-arrested and Lawton was charged with one count of murder and grievous bodily harm in relation to the incident. 

Stroud was released on bail pending further investigation. 

Pathology reports showed Colby suffered a skull fracture, 45 rib fractures, "extensive bruising", leg fractures, and internal bleeding, prosecutor James Bloomer said. 

Defending, Steve Molloy claimed James Lawton was the last person to be holding Colby before the ambulance arrived at their Newbury home at Ashbridge Court. 

"But there is a period of time where the deceased was alone in the bedroom with the defendant's partner while he was watching TV", Molloy alleged. 

He added: "He played no part in causing any harm to his son."

When setting a trial date, Judge Norton indicated it could last two-to-three weeks and that it should start on Monday, November 1. 

The case will come back to court for preparation hearings before that, however, with dates set for July 15, August 4, September 1 and September 15. 

A bail application for Mr Lawton was refused by Judge Norton. 

She said: "He has complied with all [bail] conditions [so far].

"But he has now been charged with murder and a court must consider that afresh."

He will remain in custody until the trial starts. 

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