Dad pleads guilty to murder of three-week-old son
31 October 2019, 19:12
A man has admitted the brutal murder of his three-month-old son and attempting to murder the baby's mother.
Denis Beytula admitted to the attack on three-week-old Andrei Stefan at a property in Portland Close, Wallsend, North Tyneside, on October 2.
The baby suffered fatal injuries and died as a result of the attack.
Beytula also pled guilty to attempting to kill the child's mother, Andreea Stefan during the incident.
Ms Stefan, 21, was able to call emergency services before Beytula rang police himself just seconds later to hand himself in.
He was arrested at the scene and both victims were treated for their injuries.
Their baby was rushed to hospital after the attack before being declared dead days later on October 6.
Beytula, 27, entered a guilty plea at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday and will be sentenced on December 19.
'This is a devastating time for the baby’s family'.
— Northumbria Police (@northumbriapol) October 7, 2019
We can confirm a baby boy who was stabbed in #Wallsend last week has sadly died in hospital. Officers are offering support to the family following this tragic incident.
More here: https://t.co/n80ExMViYc pic.twitter.com/pYI4NirK2d
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Cole, of Northumbria Police, said that it was "impossible to imagine" what the baby's family had gone through in the aftermath of the incident.
He 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.
“His victims were both completely innocent and they were two people he was supposed to love and protect and 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.
He continued: “I welcome the fact that Beytula has pleaded guilty and prevented Andreea and her family from having to suffer the ordeal of a trial, however, I know that will bring her little comfort.
“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.”
