Soldier Convicted of Manslaughter in Death of His 6-Week-Old Baby — As Mother Breaks Down Hearing the Verdict

A former Australian soldier accused of killing his baby son has been found guilty of manslaughter.

Nicholas Baxter had pleaded not guilty to murdering his six-week-old son on November 3, 2011.

Matthew Baxter suffered brain hemorrhaging and 17 rib fractures before he died, ABC News reported.

Former Australian soldier Nicholas Baxter (pictured with his wife) was sentenced on Tuesday to nine years in prison for shaking his six-week-old son to death in 2011

Baxter (pictured with his wife) was cleared of a murder charge, but found guilty of manslaughter by a Supreme Court jury in Townsville on Monday

Baxter was cleared of a murder charge, but found guilty of manslaughter by a Supreme Court jury in Townsville on Monday.

He will be remanded in custody and face court for sentencing on Tuesday.

His wife and family, who supported him throughout the trial, were visibly upset in court.

The court heard Baxter had called Bluewater Medical Practice in Townsville on November 3, 2011 to report his son was unwell.

He had been alone with the baby while his wife was away.

Baxter denied he was responsible for the baby’s death throughout the trial.

Matthew Baxter (pictured) suffered brain hemorrhaging and 17 rib fractures before he died 

Matthew Baxter (pictured) suffered brain hemorrhaging and 17 rib fractures before he died