Dad's bid for '˜justice' boosted by new backer

Nicholas Harry’s 19-month-old boy Samuel died from a bleed to the brain, which was caused after he sustained a substantial head trauma.

Last year an inquest heard the tot was unlawfully killed and that it is ‘highly likely’ the injuries were inflicted on him.

At the time of the incident in 2013 the toddler was in the care of his mother Deanna Buffham and her former partner Ryan Bate.

The pair blamed each other for the child’s death, and though both were arrested the Crown Prosecution Service concluded there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

Since then Mr Harry, from Houghton Regis, has fought to have his son’s case re-examined.

His efforts have now caught the attention of Fathers 4 Justice founder Matt O’Connor, who has offered the support of the pressure group’s legal team.

Samuel is also set to feature in a F4J Father’s Day campaign advert.

Mr Harry told the Gazette: “Matt sympathised with my position and offered the assistance of F4J.

“We spoke on the phone yesterday and I explained the full extent of the circumstances which led to Sam’s tragic death.

“Matt appeared angered, but not shocked.”

Mr Harry added: “Matt has given ‘Justice for Sam’ the full support of F4J.

“I am confident that with Matt’s expertise and the capability of Sam’s story to win the nations hearts, that this is going to be a game changer.”

With the support of J4L’s legal team Mr Harry is considering an unlawful death suit under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.

Mr Harry says that he may also pursue a negligence claim against the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS), which was involved in family court proceedings shortly after Samuel’s birth.